1957 Jensen 541 vs. 2001 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2001 Lotus Exige is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Jensen 541. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Jensen 541 would be higher. At 3,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Jensen 541 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1957 Jensen 541. (153 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1957 Jensen 541. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Jensen 541 weights approximately 690 kg more than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1957 Jensen 541 (308 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1957 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Jensen 541 | 2001 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Jensen | Lotus |
| Model | 541 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3990 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 308 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.6:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 36 L |
