1961 Jensen 541 vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Jensen 541. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Jensen 541 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Jensen 541 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1961 Jensen 541. (129 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1961 Jensen 541. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Jensen 541 weights approximately 563 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise.
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 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1961 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Jensen 541 | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Jensen | Lotus |
| Model | 541 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 44 L |
