1984 BMW 316 vs. 1998 Jensen SV-8
To start off, 1998 Jensen SV-8 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 BMW 316 would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Jensen SV-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Jensen SV-8 (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 233 more horse power than 1984 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jensen SV-8 should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Jensen SV-8 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1984 BMW 316. 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, 1998 Jensen SV-8 (440 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Jensen SV-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 316. 1984 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1998 Jensen SV-8 has manual transmission. 1998 Jensen SV-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 316 | 1998 Jensen SV-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Jensen |
| Model | 316 | SV-8 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1767 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 75 L |
