1959 Jensen 541 vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte is newer by 53 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, 2012 Kia Forte (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1959 Jensen 541. (129 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 1959 Jensen 541. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Jensen 541 weights approximately 185 kg more than 2012 Kia Forte.
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, 2012 Kia Forte, 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 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Forte. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1959 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Forte.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Jensen 541 | 2012 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Jensen | Kia |
| Model | 541 | Forte |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4481 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 52 L |
