1988 BMW 525 vs. 2003 Jensen SV-8
To start off, 2003 Jensen SV-8 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Jensen SV-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Jensen SV-8 (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Jensen SV-8 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 160 kg more than 2003 Jensen SV-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, 2003 Jensen SV-8 (439 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Jensen SV-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2003 Jensen SV-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Jensen |
| Model | 525 | SV-8 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 439 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2410 mm |
