1989 BMW 518 vs. 2001 Jensen SV-8
To start off, 2001 Jensen SV-8 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 518 would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Jensen SV-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Jensen SV-8 (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1989 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Jensen SV-8 should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Jensen SV-8 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1989 BMW 518. 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, 2001 Jensen SV-8 (439 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2001 Jensen SV-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 518 | 2001 Jensen SV-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Jensen |
| Model | 518 | SV-8 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 439 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 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 |
