Jensen S-V8: Which Version Should You Buy?

The Jensen S-V8 catalogue presents a straightforward choice: the 4.6 MT is the only listed version, and it belongs to the model’s sole generation. Produced from 2001 to 2003 as a Roadster, it combines a 4601 cm³ Gasoline engine with 325 hp, 434 Nm, a 5-speed Manual gearbox, and RWD.

The Jensen S-V8 catalogue presents a straightforward choice: the 4.6 MT is the only listed version, and it belongs to the model’s sole generation. Produced from 2001 to 2003 as a Roadster, it combines a 4601 cm³ Gasoline engine with 325 hp, 434 Nm, a 5-speed Manual gearbox, and RWD. There are no alternative engines, transmissions, body types, or generations in the supplied data, so choosing an S-V8 is less about comparing trims and more about deciding whether this specific specification suits you.

Jensen S-V8 generations compared

The S-V8 has one generation, listed as 1 generation, covering 2001–2003. It was offered as a Roadster and contains one version, the 4.6 MT. Because the catalogue contains no later generation or restyling, there is no generational change in power, performance, body style, gearbox, or drive system to compare.

This also means that model year alone does not indicate a different factory specification in the supplied data. Every listed production year falls within the same generation and points to the same 4.6 MT version.

Jensen S-V8 engine and specs

The 4.6 MT uses a 4601 cm³ Gasoline engine with 8 cylinders in a V-shaped layout. It has 4 valves per cylinder, No boost, Distributed injection (multi-point), a compression ratio of 9.85, and a bore and stroke of 90.2 × 90. The engine is mounted Front, longitudinal.

Maximum output is 325 hp at 5800 rpm, equivalent to 239 kW, while peak torque is 434 Nm at 4800 rpm. Based on the supplied displacement and output, the engine produces approximately 70.6 hp per litre. Its specific torque is approximately 94.3 Nm per litre.

VersionPowerTorqueDisplacementFuelCylindersLayoutBoostGearboxDrive
4.6 MT325 hp434 Nm4601 cm³Gasoline8V-shapedNo5-speed ManualRWD

For a buyer, the key mechanical decision is therefore already fixed: selecting the Jensen S-V8 means selecting a naturally aspirated configuration with a 5-speed Manual gearbox and RWD. There is no Automatic, boosted, or alternative-drive version in the data.

Jensen S-V8 performance and mpg

The 4.6 MT accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and has a maximum speed of 257 km/h. With a kerb weight of 1250 kg and output of 325 hp, it carries approximately 3.85 kg per horsepower. The equivalent power-to-weight figure is 260 hp per 1000 kg.

These ratios help explain the version’s performance on paper without introducing specifications beyond the catalogue. The combination of 325 hp and 1250 kg is the only power-and-weight pairing available for the S-V8, so there is no less powerful or heavier version against which to trade performance for another characteristic.

Fuel economy cannot be used to choose between S-V8 versions because the relevant figures are unavailable:

The specified fuel is 95. A buyer comparing running costs with another car would need independently measured consumption data, because this catalogue does not provide an mpg or fuel-consumption result for the 4.6 MT.

Jensen S-V8 dimensions, weight, and wheels

The 4.6 MT has a kerb weight of 1250 kg and ground clearance of 130 mm. Gross weight is not measured, and fuel-tank capacity is not measured.

Wheel sizes differ between the two axles: 225/45 R17 and 245/45 R17 are listed. Both the front and rear suspension are Independent, spring. The front brakes are Ventilated disc, and the rear brakes are listed as Disc ventilated.

VersionKerb weightGross weightGround clearanceFuel tankWheel sizes
4.6 MT1250 kgnot measured130 mmnot measured225/45 R17; 245/45 R17

The 130 mm ground clearance is the only clearance figure available, while the absence of gross-weight and tank-capacity measurements prevents comparisons involving maximum permitted load or theoretical driving range.

Which Jensen S-V8 version should you buy?

Buy the 4.6 MT if the specification you want is a Roadster with a 4601 cm³ Gasoline engine, 325 hp, 434 Nm, a 5-speed Manual gearbox, and RWD. It reaches 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, has a maximum speed of 257 km/h, and weighs 1250 kg, giving approximately 70.6 hp per litre and 3.85 kg per horsepower.

There is no alternative S-V8 version to recommend for better economy, more power, a different gearbox, or another body style. There is also no newer generation whose changes could justify paying more: the catalogue records one generation, one Roadster body, and one 4.6 MT version from 2001 to 2003.

Consequently, extra purchase cost cannot be linked to additional factory power, torque, equipment, or a later-generation specification using the supplied data. When comparing individual S-V8 cars, the catalogue specifications do not establish a mechanical advantage for one production year over another. The buying decision should therefore begin with whether the fixed 4.6 MT specification meets your requirements; fuel consumption, tank capacity, gross weight, and any condition-related questions cannot be resolved from the available figures.