1996 Fiat Punto vs. 1998 Jensen SV-8
To start off, 1998 Jensen SV-8 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Fiat Punto. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Fiat Punto would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Jensen SV-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Jensen SV-8 (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 268 more horse power than 1996 Fiat Punto. (53 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jensen SV-8 should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Jensen SV-8 weights approximately 460 kg more than 1996 Fiat Punto. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Jensen SV-8 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Jensen SV-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Fiat Punto, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1998 Jensen SV-8 (440 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 356 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat Punto. (84 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Jensen SV-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat Punto.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat Punto | 1998 Jensen SV-8 | |
| Make | Fiat | Jensen |
| Model | Punto | SV-8 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1108 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2410 mm |
