Performance Review: BMW 7 Series 745i Auto - [2001]

Figures & Specs Summary:

BMW 7 Series Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the BMW 7 Series 745i Auto is the 6 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 2001. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2001 Lamborghini Diablo GTR 6.0L V12 and the 2002 Ferrari Enzo 6.0 V12.This particular BMW 7 Series has a 4398cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

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

The 7 Series 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 7 Series'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 1945 kgs (4287 lbs) this makes the BMW 7 Series 745i Auto in the same weight category as the 2022 BMW 3 Series M3 Competition Touring 3.0 xDrive or the give or take 50kg.

The BMW 7 Series shares the same bhp with the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (340 bhp)

In terms of power the 4398cc 32V V8 engine produces 328 bhp (244 kW) @ 6100 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 332 lb-ft (450.1 Nm) @ 3600 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 BMW 7 Series you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2007 BMW 1 Series 135i 2d Coupe M-Sport (193.5 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the BMW 7 Series.

The BMW 7 Series has a Power to weight ratio of 168.6 bhp per ton and 170.6 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2001 7 Series competing with the 2007 BMW 1 Series 135i 2d Coupe M-Sport (193.5 bhp per ton) or the 2006 Bentley Arnage T 6.8 V8 4d Auto (193.4 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 BMW 7 Series generating around 170.6 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 1989 Lotus Esprit S3 Turbo SE (195.6 lb-ft per ton) or the 1995 Maserati Quattroporte 2.8 V6 (195.5 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 BMW 7 Series 745i Auto 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 Dodge Charger SXT Blacktop 3.6L V6 (6.70 secs) the or the 2012 Abarth 695 Edizione Maserati 1.4 Turbo (6.70 secs). This BMW 7 Series 745i Auto 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 Volkswagen-VW Scirocco 2.0 TSI DSG (6.80 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 7 Series and the 1987 Ford Sierra RS 500

When talking about the performance of the BMW 7 Series on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.91 secs @ 91.7 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1987 Ford Sierra RS 500 (14.85 secs), the 1992 Mitsubishi 3000 GT (14.86 secs), and the 1971 Dodge Dart Demon Sport Coupe 5.5 V8 340 (14.86 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2001 version of the BMW 7 Series 745i Auto has a maximum speed of 155mph.

Top Speed of the 2001 7 Series equals the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2001 BMW 7 Series 745i Auto then how about the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph), the 2022 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (166 mph), or the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 5.0 V8 (166 mph).

Related Links:

2001 7 Series Rivals List.

A Brief History of BMW

Car Comparison