Performance Review: Aston-Martin Lagonda Series 1 5.3L V8 - [1974]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Aston-Martin Lagonda Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Aston-Martin Lagonda Series 1 5.3L V8 is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1974. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1974 Lamborghini Countach LP400 and the 1974 Lancia Stratos 2.5 V6.This particular Aston-Martin Lagonda has a 5341cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

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

The Lagonda 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 Lagonda's Rear Wheel Drive, Saloon 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 2000 kgs (4409 lbs) this makes the Aston-Martin Lagonda Series 1 5.3L V8 in the same weight category as the 2022 BMW 8 Series M850i xDrive 4.4 V8 Turbo G15 or the give or take 50kg.

The Aston-Martin Lagonda shares the same bhp with the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp)

In terms of power the 5341cc 16V V8 engine produces 310 bhp (231 kW) @ 5000 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 369 lb-ft (500.2 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 Coupe 3.0 V6 Turbo (369 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

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

The 2001 Renault Clio 3.0 V6 255 (180.0 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Aston-Martin Lagonda.

The Aston-Martin Lagonda has a Power to weight ratio of 155.0 bhp per ton and 184.5 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1974 Lagonda competing with the 2001 Renault Clio 3.0 V6 255 (180.0 bhp per ton) or the 1975 Lotus Esprit S1 2.0 (180.0 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 Aston-Martin Lagonda generating around 184.5 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 1972 Jensen Interceptor Mk 3 S4 (209.4 lb-ft per ton) or the 2013 Mercedes CLA 45 AMG 2.0 Turbo (209.4 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 Aston-Martin Lagonda Series 1 5.3L 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 Aston-Martin Lagonda Series 1 5.3L 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 Lagonda and the 1993 Nissan Skyline R33 GTS25t Coupe

When talking about the performance of the Aston-Martin Lagonda on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.15 secs @ 90.3 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1993 Nissan Skyline R33 GTS25t Coupe (15.08 secs), the 1995 Volvo 850 2.3 T5 R (15.08 secs), and the 2011 Fisker Karma Hybrid (15.09 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1974 version of the Aston-Martin Lagonda Series 1 5.3L V8 has a maximum speed of 149mph.

Top Speed of the 1974 Lagonda equals the 2023 Lotus Eletre 603 bhp (160 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1974 Aston-Martin Lagonda Series 1 5.3L V8 then how about the 2023 Lotus Eletre 603 bhp (160 mph), the 2022 Lotus Eletre S 603 bhp (160 mph), or the 2009 Lotus Evora 3.5 V6 (160 mph).

Related Links:

1974 Lagonda Rivals List.

A Brief History of Aston-Martin

Car Comparison