1996 BMW 540 vs. 1999 Jensen SV-8
To start off, 1999 Jensen SV-8 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Jensen SV-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Jensen SV-8 (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Jensen SV-8 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 545 kg more than 1999 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Jensen SV-8. (439 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Jensen SV-8. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1999 Jensen SV-8 has manual transmission. 1999 Jensen SV-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1999 Jensen SV-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Jensen |
| Model | 540 | SV-8 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 439 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |
