1958 Jensen 541 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 50 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 15 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Jensen 541 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Jensen 541 weights approximately 191 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Jensen 541 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1958 Jensen 541. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 @ 2400 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1958 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Jensen 541 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Jensen | Volkswagen |
| Model | 541 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
