1961 Jensen 541 vs. 1957 Lotus Seven
To start off, 1961 Jensen 541 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Jensen 541 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Jensen 541 (129 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1957 Lotus Seven. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Jensen 541 should accelerate faster than 1957 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Jensen 541 weights approximately 725 kg more than 1957 Lotus Seven. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1961 Jensen 541 (310 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Lotus Seven. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1961 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Jensen 541 | 1957 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | Jensen | Lotus |
| Model | 541 | Seven |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.6:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 29 L |
