1988 BMW Z1 vs. 1958 Jensen 541
To start off, 1988 BMW Z1 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Jensen 541. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Jensen 541 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Jensen 541 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1958 Jensen 541. (129 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 1958 Jensen 541. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Jensen 541 weights approximately 225 kg more than 1988 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, 1958 Jensen 541 (311 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW Z1. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1958 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW Z1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW Z1 | 1958 Jensen 541 | |
| Make | BMW | Jensen |
| Model | Z1 | 541 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 3993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 311 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 111.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2670 mm |
