1988 BMW M3 vs. 1959 Jensen 541
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Jensen 541. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Jensen 541 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Jensen 541 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (192 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1959 Jensen 541. (129 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Jensen 541. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Jensen 541 weights approximately 179 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
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, 1959 Jensen 541 (310 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (230 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1959 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1959 Jensen 541 | |
| Make | BMW | Jensen |
| Model | M3 | 541 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 3993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 111.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 72 L |
