Performance Review: BMW Z8 5.0 V8 2d LHD - [2000]

Figures & Specs Summary:

BMW Z8 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the BMW Z8 5.0 V8 2d LHD is the 6 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2000. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the and the 2000 Ultima GTR 720.This particular BMW Z8 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 Z8 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 Z8's Rear Wheel Drive, Cabriolet 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 1585 kgs (3494 lbs) this makes the BMW Z8 5.0 V8 2d LHD in the same weight category as the 2022 Porsche 911 Sport Classic 3.7 Turbo 992 or the give or take 50kg.

The BMW Z8 shares the same bhp with the 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera T 3.0 Turbo 992 (380 bhp)

In terms of power the 4941cc 32V V8 engine produces 400 bhp (298 kW) @ 6600 rpm similar to the 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera T 3.0 Turbo 992 (380 bhp) or the 2022 Lotus Emira First Edition 3.5 V6 Supercharged Auto (395 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 369 lb-ft (500.2 Nm) @ 3800 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 BMW Z8 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2009 Bentley Continental SuperSports 6.0 W12 (277.2 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the BMW Z8.

The BMW Z8 has a Power to weight ratio of 252.3 bhp per ton and 232.8 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2000 Z8 competing with the 2009 Bentley Continental SuperSports 6.0 W12 (277.2 bhp per ton) or the 2010 BMW 3 Series M3 E92 GTS (276.6 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 BMW Z8 generating around 232.8 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 1969 Dodge Charger 7.0L Daytona Hemi (257.8 lb-ft per ton) or the 2017 Mercedes C Class 63 AMG Coupe (257.8 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 4.80 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 5.0 secs, this made the BMW Z8 5.0 V8 2d LHD as fast as the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo (4.80 secs) the 2020 Audi TT S Turbo 50 TFSI (4.80 secs) the 2018 Rolls-Royce Cullinan 6.7 V12 Turbo (4.80 secs) the or the 2017 Maserati GranCabrio Sport 4.7 V8 (4.80 secs). This BMW Z8 5.0 V8 2d LHD is also faster than the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (4.90 secs) the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 2.0 Turbo (4.90 secs) the 2021 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (4.90 secs) the and the 2020 Honda Civic Type R 2.0 16V Touring (4.90 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Z8 and the 2013 Maserati Ghibli S 3.0 V6 Turbo

When talking about the performance of the BMW Z8 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 12.92 secs @ 105.9 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2013 Maserati Ghibli S 3.0 V6 Turbo (12.86 secs), the 1986 Ferrari 328 GTB 3.2 V8 (12.86 secs), and the 1968 Dodge Coronet Super Bee 6.3 V8 383 (12.87 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2000 version of the BMW Z8 5.0 V8 2d LHD has a maximum speed of 155mph.

Top Speed of the 2000 Z8 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 2000 BMW Z8 5.0 V8 2d LHD 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:

2000 Z8 Rivals List.

A Brief History of BMW

Car Comparison