Performance Review: DeTomaso Pantera GT5 S 4.9 V8 - [1990]

Figures & Specs Summary:

DeTomaso Pantera Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the DeTomaso Pantera GT5 S 4.9 V8 is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1990. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1991 Jaguar XJ R-15 6.0 V12 and the 1991 Jaguar XJ 220.This particular DeTomaso Pantera has a 4942cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

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

The Pantera 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 Pantera'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 1460 kgs (3218 lbs) this makes the DeTomaso Pantera GT5 S 4.9 V8 in the same weight category as the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The DeTomaso Pantera shares the same bhp with the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp)

In terms of power the 4942cc 16V V8 engine produces 305 bhp (227 kW) @ 5800 rpm similar to the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp) or the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (300 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 333 lb-ft (451.4 Nm) @ 3700 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Porsche Boxster Spyder RS 4.0 982 (332 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (310 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

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

The 2009 Nissan 370Z Nismo (233.8 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the DeTomaso Pantera.

The DeTomaso Pantera has a Power to weight ratio of 208.9 bhp per ton and 228.0 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1990 Pantera competing with the 2009 Nissan 370Z Nismo (233.8 bhp per ton) or the 1969 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova SS 396 V8 3spd Manual (233.5 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 DeTomaso Pantera generating around 228.0 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 2005 Ford Mustang Cobra GT500 (253.0 lb-ft per ton) or the 1994 Ferrari 512 M (252.9 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 DeTomaso Pantera GT5 S 4.9 V8 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 DeTomaso Pantera GT5 S 4.9 V8 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 Skoda Octavia RS TSI 2.0 Turbo (6.60 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Pantera and the 1997 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra 4.6 V8

When talking about the performance of the DeTomaso Pantera on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.78 secs @ 99.3 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1997 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra 4.6 V8 (13.72 secs), the 2018 BMW X7 xDrive 50i 4.4 V8 Turbo (13.72 secs), and the 2012 Renault Megane RenaultSport 2.0T 265 Cup (13.73 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1990 version of the DeTomaso Pantera GT5 S 4.9 V8 has a maximum speed of 137mph.

Top Speed of the 1990 Pantera equals the 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman John Cooper Works 2.0 Turbo Auto (148 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1990 DeTomaso Pantera GT5 S 4.9 V8 then how about the 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman John Cooper Works 2.0 Turbo Auto (148 mph), the 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman John Cooper Woks 2.0 Turbo (148 mph), or the 2012 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Clubman (148 mph).

Related Links:

1990 Pantera Rivals List.

A Brief History of DeTomaso

Car Comparison