1958 Jensen 541 vs. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA
To start off, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is newer by 55 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, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA (165 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1958 Jensen 541. (129 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA should accelerate faster than 1958 Jensen 541. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Jensen 541 weights approximately 293 kg more than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA.
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 @ 2400 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1958 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Jensen 541 | 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA | |
| Make | Jensen | Mazda |
| Model | 541 | MX-5 MIATA |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4032 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1255 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 48 L |
