1959 Jensen 541 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 50 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, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1959 Jensen 541. (129 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1959 Jensen 541. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Jensen 541 weights approximately 228 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2009 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, 1959 Jensen 541 (310 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1959 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Jensen 541 | 2009 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Jensen | Volkswagen |
| Model | 541 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 92.8 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 | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
