1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1961 Jensen 541
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Jensen 541. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Jensen 541 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Jensen 541 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (184 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1961 Jensen 541. (129 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1961 Jensen 541. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Jensen 541 weights approximately 173 kg more than 1996 BMW Z3.
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, 1961 Jensen 541 (310 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1961 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 1961 Jensen 541 | |
| Make | BMW | Jensen |
| Model | Z3 | 541 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 3993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 111.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 7.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1302 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 72 L |
