2009 BMW M3 vs. 1998 Jensen SV-8
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 11 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, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1998 Jensen SV-8. (321 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1998 Jensen SV-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1998 Jensen SV-8. 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, 1998 Jensen SV-8 (440 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1998 Jensen SV-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1998 Jensen SV-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Jensen |
| Model | M3 | SV-8 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 75 L |
