1974 BMW 3 vs. 1998 Jensen CV-8
To start off, 1998 Jensen CV-8 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Jensen CV-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Jensen CV-8 (325 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1974 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jensen CV-8 should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 183 kg more than 1998 Jensen CV-8.
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, 1998 Jensen CV-8 (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1998 Jensen CV-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 1998 Jensen CV-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Jensen |
| Model | 3 | CV-8 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2410 mm |
