1963 BMW 502 vs. 1958 Jensen 541
To start off, 1963 BMW 502 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Jensen 541. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Jensen 541 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Jensen 541 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 BMW 502 (158 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1958 Jensen 541. (129 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 BMW 502 should accelerate faster than 1958 Jensen 541. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 BMW 502 weights approximately 15 kg more than 1958 Jensen 541. 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, 1958 Jensen 541 (311 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 BMW 502. (240 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1958 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 BMW 502.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 BMW 502 | 1958 Jensen 541 | |
| Make | BMW | Jensen |
| Model | 502 | 541 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 311 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 111.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 72 L |
