1971 Jensen SP vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 41 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1971 Jensen SP. (385 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1971 Jensen SP. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 107 kg more than 1971 Jensen SP. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Jensen SP. (557 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Jensen SP.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Jensen SP | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Jensen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SP | CLS |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7206 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 385 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 557 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1783 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |
