1958 Jensen 541 vs. 2012 Ascari KZ1
To start off, 2012 Ascari KZ1 is newer by 54 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 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ascari KZ1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ascari KZ1 (500 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 371 more horse power than 1958 Jensen 541. (129 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ascari KZ1 should accelerate faster than 1958 Jensen 541. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Jensen 541 weights approximately 125 kg more than 2012 Ascari KZ1.
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, 2012 Ascari KZ1 (550 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Jensen 541. (311 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Ascari KZ1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Jensen 541.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Jensen 541 | 2012 Ascari KZ1 | |
| Make | Jensen | Ascari |
| Model | 541 | KZ1 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1138 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2636 mm |
