1971 BMW 3 vs. 1958 Jensen 541
To start off, 1971 BMW 3 is newer by 13 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, 1971 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1958 Jensen 541. (129 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1958 Jensen 541. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Jensen 541 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1971 BMW 3.
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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1958 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1958 Jensen 541 | |
| Make | BMW | Jensen |
| Model | 3 | 541 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 311 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 72 L |
