1996 Honda S-MX vs. 1959 Jensen 541
To start off, 1996 Honda S-MX is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Jensen 541. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Jensen 541 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Jensen 541 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda S-MX (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1959 Jensen 541. (129 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1959 Jensen 541. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Jensen 541 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1996 Honda S-MX.
Because 1996 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1959 Jensen 541. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX will offer significantly more control. 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, 1959 Jensen 541 (310 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1959 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 1959 Jensen 541 | |
| Make | Honda | Jensen |
| Model | S-MX | 541 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 3993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 111.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2670 mm |
