Performance Review: Jensen CV8 FF 6.3L V8 - [1965]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Jensen CV8 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Jensen CV8 FF 6.3L V8 is the 3 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 1965. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965 and the 1966 AC Cobra 427.This particular Jensen CV8 has a 6286cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

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

The CV8 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 CV8's All Wheel Drive, Hatchback combination then how about the or the .

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1594 kgs (3514 lbs) this makes the Jensen CV8 FF 6.3L V8 in the same weight category as the 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera T 3.0 Turbo PDK 992 or the give or take 50kg.

The Jensen CV8 shares the same bhp with the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (340 bhp)

In terms of power the 6286cc 16V V8 engine produces 330 bhp (246 kW) @ 4600 rpm similar to the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (340 bhp) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe 3.0 V6 Turbo (348 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 425 lb-ft (576.2 Nm) @ 2800 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 2023 Porsche Cayenne S 4.0 V8 Turbo (443 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Jensen CV8 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2000 Audi A4 RS4 Avant 2.7T Quattro V6 (232.0 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Jensen CV8.

The Jensen CV8 has a Power to weight ratio of 207.0 bhp per ton and 266.6 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1965 CV8 competing with the 2000 Audi A4 RS4 Avant 2.7T Quattro V6 (232.0 bhp per ton) or the 1996 Subaru Impreza WRX Type RA - Classic JDM (231.9 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 CV8 generating around 266.6 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 2022 Lamborghini Urus Performante Twin Turbo (291.6 lb-ft per ton) or the 2013 Porsche 911 Turbo 991 (291.6 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 6.70 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.9 secs, this made the Jensen CV8 FF 6.3L V8 as fast as the 2020 Ford Puma ST 1.5 Turbo (6.70 secs) the 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0 V6 Diesel (6.70 secs) the 2012 Abarth 695 Edizione Maserati 1.4 Turbo (6.70 secs) the or the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Blacktop 3.6L V6 (6.70 secs). This Jensen CV8 FF 6.3L V8 is also faster than the 2017 Dodge Charger SXT AWD 3.7 V6 (6.80 secs) the 2015 Renault Megane Energy TCe 205 GT 1.6 Turbo (6.80 secs) the 2012 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Countrman (6.80 secs) the and the 2010 Alfa-Romeo Brera JTS 3.2 V6 24v (6.80 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the CV8 and the 2009 Mercedes E Class 500 Sport

When talking about the performance of the Jensen CV8 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.44 secs @ 101.8 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2009 Mercedes E Class 500 Sport (13.38 secs), the 2007 Toyota Aurion TRD 3.5 V6 Supercharged (13.38 secs), and the 2021 BMW 2 Series M240i xDrive Cabrio 3.0 Turbo F23 (13.38 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1965 version of the Jensen CV8 FF 6.3L V8 has a maximum speed of 129mph.

Top Speed of the 1965 CV8 equals the 2021 BMW i4 M50 (140 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1965 Jensen CV8 FF 6.3L V8 then how about the 2021 BMW i4 M50 (140 mph), the 2020 Abarth 695 70th Anniversario 1.4 Turbo (140 mph), or the 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (140 mph).

Related Links:

1965 CV8 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Jensen

Car Comparison