1974 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1961 Jensen 541
To start off, 1974 Chevrolet Vega is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Jensen 541. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Jensen 541 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Jensen 541 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Jensen 541 (129 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Jensen 541 should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Jensen 541 weights approximately 470 kg more than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. 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, 1961 Jensen 541 (310 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1961 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. 1974 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1961 Jensen 541 has manual transmission. 1961 Jensen 541 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Vega | 1961 Jensen 541 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Jensen |
| Model | Vega | 541 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2285 cc | 3993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 111.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 72 L |
