2002 Caterham Superlight R vs. 1957 Jensen 541
To start off, 2002 Caterham Superlight R is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Jensen 541. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Jensen 541 would be higher. At 3,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Jensen 541 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Caterham Superlight R (190 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1957 Jensen 541. (153 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Caterham Superlight R should accelerate faster than 1957 Jensen 541. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Jensen 541 weights approximately 980 kg more than 2002 Caterham Superlight R.
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, 1957 Jensen 541 (308 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Caterham Superlight R. (203 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1957 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Caterham Superlight R.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Caterham Superlight R | 1957 Jensen 541 | |
| Make | Caterham | Jensen |
| Model | Superlight R | 541 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 3990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 308 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2670 mm |
