2003 BMW 520 vs. 1959 Jensen 541
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 44 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, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1959 Jensen 541. (129 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1959 Jensen 541. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 225 kg more than 1959 Jensen 541. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1959 Jensen 541 (310 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1959 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2003 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1959 Jensen 541 has manual transmission. 1959 Jensen 541 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 1959 Jensen 541 | |
| Make | BMW | Jensen |
| Model | 520 | 541 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 3993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 111.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
