Performance Review: Ascari KZ1 5.0 V8 - [2003]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Ascari KZ1 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Ascari KZ1 5.0 V8 is the 6 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2003. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2004 Westfield Sport 2000S and the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII MR FQ 400.This particular Ascari KZ1 has a 4941cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

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

The KZ1 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 KZ1'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 1250 kgs (2755 lbs) this makes the Ascari KZ1 5.0 V8 in the same weight category as the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line or the give or take 50kg.

The Ascari KZ1 shares the same bhp with the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (500 bhp)

In terms of power the 4941cc 32V V8 engine produces 500 bhp (372 kW) @ 7000 rpm similar to the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (500 bhp) or the 2023 Porsche Boxster Spyder RS 4.0 982 (493 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 368 lb-ft (498.9 Nm) @ 4500 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 3.0 V6 Turbo (369 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Ascari KZ1 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2022 Ferrari 296 GTS Assetto 3.0 V6 Twin Turbo Hybrid (424.6 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Ascari KZ1.

The Ascari KZ1 has a Power to weight ratio of 400.0 bhp per ton and 294.4 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2003 KZ1 competing with the 2022 Ferrari 296 GTS Assetto 3.0 V6 Twin Turbo Hybrid (424.6 bhp per ton) or the 2013 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Roadster (424.6 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 Ascari KZ1 generating around 294.4 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 2011 Radical SR3 SL 2.0 Turbo (319.4 lb-ft per ton) or the 2020 Koenigsegg Gemera 2.0 Turbo Petrol Hybrid (318.9 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 4.10 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 4.2 secs, this made the Ascari KZ1 5.0 V8 as fast as the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (4.10 secs) the 2022 Lotus Emira First Edition 3.5 V6 Supercharged (4.10 secs) the 2022 BMW XM 4.4 V8 Twin Turbo G09 (4.10 secs) the or the 2022 BMW 2 Series M2 3.0 Twin Turbo G87 (4.10 secs). This Ascari KZ1 5.0 V8 is also faster than the 2022 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (4.20 secs) the 2021 BMW 2 Series M240i xDrive 3.0 Turbo G42 (4.20 secs) the 2020 Maserati Ghibli Trofeo 3.8 V8 Twin Turbo (4.20 secs) the and the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 5.2 V8 (4.20 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the KZ1 and the 2010 Porsche 911 3.8 Speedster

When talking about the performance of the Ascari KZ1 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 11.12 secs @ 123.0 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2010 Porsche 911 3.8 Speedster (11.07 secs), the 2005 Bentley Continental Flying Spur 6.0 W12 (11.07 secs), and the 1979 DeTomaso Pantera GT5 S 5.8 V8 (11.08 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2003 version of the Ascari KZ1 5.0 V8 has a maximum speed of 200mph.

Top Speed of the 2003 KZ1 equals the 2023 Aston-Martin Valour 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo (211 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2003 Ascari KZ1 5.0 V8 then how about the 2023 Aston-Martin Valour 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo (211 mph), the 2023 Aston-Martin DBS 770 Ultimate 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo (211 mph), or the 2023 Aston-Martin DBS 770 Ultimate Volante 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo (211 mph).

Related Links:

2003 KZ1 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Ascari

Car Comparison