2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1963 Jensen 541
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Jensen 541. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Jensen 541 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1963 Jensen 541 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1963 Jensen 541. (129 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1963 Jensen 541. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Jensen 541 weights approximately 160 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1963 Jensen 541 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 1963 Jensen 541. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1963 Jensen 541 (310 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (163 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1963 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1963 Jensen 541 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Jensen |
| Model | 156 | 541 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 3993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 111.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 72 L |
