Performance Review: Jensen SP Automatic 7.2 V8 - [1971]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Jensen SP Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Jensen SP Automatic 7.2 V8 is the 3 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 1971. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1971 Chevrolet Corvette C3 ZR2 Stingray 7.4 V8 Convertible and the 1971 Ford Mustang 351 5.8 V8 Convertible.This particular Jensen SP has a 7206cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V8's includes the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The SP shares its Petrol V8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the SP's Rear Wheel Drive, Coupe combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1783 kgs (3930 lbs) this makes the Jensen SP Automatic 7.2 V8 in the same weight category as the 2023 Lamborghini Revuelto 6.5 V12 Petrol Hybrid or the give or take 50kg.

The Jensen SP shares the same bhp with the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 6.2 V8 Petrol Hybrid C8 (369 bhp)

In terms of power the 7206cc 16V V8 engine produces 385 bhp (287 kW) @ 4700 rpm similar to the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 6.2 V8 Petrol Hybrid C8 (369 bhp) or the 2023 Lotus Emira First Edition i4 2.0 Turbo (360 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 410 lb-ft (555.8 Nm) @ 3600 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (418 lb-ft) or the 2022 KTM X-Bow GT-XR 2.5 Turbo (429 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Jensen SP you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2012 Audi R8 Spyder 4.2 V8 FSI Quattro S-Tronic (240.9 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Jensen SP.

The Jensen SP has a Power to weight ratio of 215.9 bhp per ton and 229.9 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1971 SP competing with the 2012 Audi R8 Spyder 4.2 V8 FSI Quattro S-Tronic (240.9 bhp per ton) or the 2020 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works GP (240.6 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Jensen SP generating around 229.9 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2014 Audi A6 RS6 Avant 4.0 Turbo (254.8 lb-ft per ton) or the 2013 BMW 3 Series M3 F80 (254.5 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 7.60 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 7.9 secs, this made the Jensen SP Automatic 7.2 V8 as fast as the 2013 BMW i3 0.6l Hybrid (7.60 secs) the 2011 Abarth 500C 1.4 Turbo (7.60 secs) the 2011 Fiat Punto Evo Abarth 1.4 Turbo (7.60 secs) the or the 2010 Peugeot 308 1.6 GTi (7.60 secs). This Jensen SP Automatic 7.2 V8 is also faster than the 2010 Citroen DS4 200 1.6 Turbo (7.70 secs) the 2006 Volkswagen-VW Polo 1.8T GTi (7.70 secs) the 2005 Mitsubishi Colt CZT 1.5 Turbo (7.70 secs) the and the 2005 Audi Q7 4.2 V8 (7.70 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the SP and the 1990 Ferrari Mondial t

When talking about the performance of the Jensen SP on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.75 secs @ 99.5 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1990 Ferrari Mondial t (13.69 secs), the 1995 BMW 3 Series M3 GT E36 (13.69 secs), and the 1966 Mercury Cyclone 6.4 V8 (13.69 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1971 version of the Jensen SP Automatic 7.2 V8 has a maximum speed of 143mph.

Top Speed of the 1971 SP equals the 2023 Porsche Cayenne 3.0 V6 Turbo (154 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1971 Jensen SP Automatic 7.2 V8 then how about the 2023 Porsche Cayenne 3.0 V6 Turbo (154 mph), the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe 3.0 V6 Turbo (154 mph), or the 2019 Peugeot 508 PureTech 225 GT S and S (154 mph).

Related Links:

1971 SP Rivals List.

A Brief History of Jensen

Car Comparison