1998 Jensen SV-8 vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Jensen SV-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Jensen SV-8 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 139 more horse power than 2011 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jensen SV-8 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 Jensen SV-8 (440 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Jensen SV-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 520. 2011 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1998 Jensen SV-8 has manual transmission. 1998 Jensen SV-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Jensen SV-8 | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Jensen | BMW |
| Model | SV-8 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
