1978 BMW M1 vs. 1962 Jensen 541
To start off, 1978 BMW M1 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Jensen 541. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Jensen 541 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1962 Jensen 541 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1962 Jensen 541. (130 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1962 Jensen 541. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Jensen 541 weights approximately 175 kg more than 1978 BMW M1.
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, 1978 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Jensen 541. (310 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Jensen 541.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 1962 Jensen 541 | |
| Make | BMW | Jensen |
| Model | M1 | 541 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 3993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 111.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 72 L |
