1971 Jensen SP vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Jensen SP. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Jensen SP would be higher. At 7,206 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Jensen SP is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1971 Jensen SP. (385 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1971 Jensen SP. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Jensen SP weights approximately 583 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (719 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Jensen SP. (557 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Jensen SP.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Jensen SP | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Jensen | Volkswagen |
| Model | SP | W12 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 7206 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Horse Power | 385 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 557 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 109.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 321 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1783 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
