1958 Jensen 541 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Jensen 541. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Jensen 541 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Jensen 541 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Jensen 541 (129 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (94 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Jensen 541 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Jensen 541 weights approximately 40 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1958 Jensen 541 (311 Nm) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (271 Nm). This means 1958 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1958 Jensen 541 has manual transmission. 1958 Jensen 541 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Jensen 541 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Jensen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 541 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 2297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 88 L |
