Performance Review: Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 454 425bhp - [1971]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Chevrolet Monte Carlo Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 454 425bhp is the 4 speed / Manual 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 Chevrolet Monte Carlo has a 7446cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

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

The Monte Carlo 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 Monte Carlo'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 1757 kgs (3873 lbs) this makes the Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 454 425bhp in the same weight category as the 2022 BMW 2 Series M2 3.0 Twin Turbo G87 or the give or take 50kg.

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo shares the same bhp with the 2022 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (450 bhp)

In terms of power the 7446cc 16V V8 engine produces 425 bhp (316 kW) @ 5600 rpm similar to the 2022 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (450 bhp) or the 2020 Lotus Evora GT410 3.5 V6 Supercharged (410 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 390 lb-ft (528.7 Nm) @ 3600 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (369 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe 3.0 V6 Turbo (369 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

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

The 2008 Bentley Continental GTZ Zagato 6.0 W12 2d (266.6 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo has a Power to weight ratio of 241.8 bhp per ton and 221.9 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1971 Monte Carlo competing with the 2008 Bentley Continental GTZ Zagato 6.0 W12 2d (266.6 bhp per ton) or the 2004 Porsche 911 Turbo S 996 (266.6 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 Chevrolet Monte Carlo generating around 221.9 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 2003 Audi A8 4.0 TDI Quattro (246.9 lb-ft per ton) or the 2022 BMW 3 Series M3 Competition Touring 3.0 xDrive (246.9 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 6.50 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.7 secs, this made the Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 454 425bhp as fast as the 2020 Abarth 695 70th Anniversario 1.4 Turbo (6.50 secs) the 2018 Abarth 595 Competizione 1.4 Turbo (6.50 secs) the 2016 Subaru Legacy 3.6 R (6.50 secs) the or the 2016 Abarth 124 Spider 1.4 Turbo (6.50 secs). This Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 454 425bhp is also faster than the 2018 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport 5.7 V8 (6.60 secs) the 2016 Audi A3 2.0 TDI S-tronic Quattro Sportback (6.60 secs) the 2014 Audi A1 1.8 TFSI S-TRONIC (6.60 secs) the and the 2013 Peugeot 208 GTi 1.6 Turbo (6.60 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Monte Carlo and the 1998 Jaguar XK R Coupe 4.0 V8 Supercharged

When talking about the performance of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.08 secs @ 104.6 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1998 Jaguar XK R Coupe 4.0 V8 Supercharged (13.02 secs), the 2017 Volkswagen-VW Golf R 2.0 Turbo (13.02 secs), and the 1988 Maserati 430 2.8 V6 (13.03 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1971 version of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 454 425bhp has a maximum speed of 129mph.

Top Speed of the 1971 Monte Carlo 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 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 454 425bhp 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:

1971 Monte Carlo Rivals List.

A Brief History of Chevrolet

Car Comparison