1959 Jensen 541 vs. 1998 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Jensen 541. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Jensen 541 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Jensen 541 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Jensen 541 (129 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. (101 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Jensen 541 should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Jensen 541 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Jensen 541. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1959 Jensen 541 (310 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1959 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Jensen 541 | 1998 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Jensen | Volkswagen |
| Model | 541 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
