1958 Jensen 541 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Jensen 541 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1958 Jensen 541. (129 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1958 Jensen 541. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Jensen 541 weights approximately 129 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2012 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 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1958 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Jensen 541 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Jensen | Volkswagen |
| Model | 541 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
