1987 BMW Z1 vs. 1957 Jensen 541
To start off, 1987 BMW Z1 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Jensen 541. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Jensen 541 would be higher. At 3,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Jensen 541 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1957 Jensen 541. (153 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 1957 Jensen 541. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Jensen 541 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1987 BMW Z1.
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, 1957 Jensen 541 (308 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW Z1. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1957 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW Z1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW Z1 | 1957 Jensen 541 | |
| Make | BMW | Jensen |
| Model | Z1 | 541 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 3990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 308 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 111.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2670 mm |
