1958 Jensen 541 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 51 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 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (661 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 532 more horse power than 1958 Jensen 541. (129 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1958 Jensen 541. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Jensen 541 weights approximately 110 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 689 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Jensen 541. (311 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Jensen 541. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Jensen 541 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Jensen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 541 | SL |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 661 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 80 L |
