1960 Jensen 541 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Jensen 541. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Jensen 541 would be higher. At 3,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1960 Jensen 541 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (169 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1960 Jensen 541. (129 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1960 Jensen 541. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Jensen 541 weights approximately 109 kg more than 2011 BMW 120.
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, 1960 Jensen 541 (310 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1960 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Jensen 541 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Jensen | BMW |
| Model | 541 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3990 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.4:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 53 L |
