Performance Review: DeLorean DMC -12 - [1981]

Figures & Specs Summary:

DeLorean DMC Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the DeLorean DMC -12 is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1981. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V and the 1982 Lamborghini Countach LP500S.This particular DeLorean DMC has a 2849cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 6 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V6's includes the 2014 Radical RXC 3.5 V6 Twin Turbo

The DMC shares its Petrol V6 engine configuration with the likes of the 2014 Radical RXC 3.5 V6 Twin Turbo and the 2015 Radical RXC Turbo 500 3.5 V6. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the DMC'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 1244 kgs (2742 lbs) this makes the DeLorean DMC -12 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 DeLorean DMC shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (134 bhp)

In terms of power the 2849cc 12V V6 engine produces 130 bhp (96 kW) @ 0 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (134 bhp) or the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (148 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V6 throws out 153 lb-ft (207.4 Nm) @ 0 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (162 lb-ft) or the 2018 Abarth 595 Turismo 1.4 Turbo (170 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

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

The 1984 Fiat Strada-Ritmo Abarth 125 TC (129.4 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the DeLorean DMC.

The DeLorean DMC has a Power to weight ratio of 104.5 bhp per ton and 122.9 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1981 DMC competing with the 1984 Fiat Strada-Ritmo Abarth 125 TC (129.4 bhp per ton) or the 1999 BMW X5 4.4 V8 (129.3 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 DeLorean DMC generating around 122.9 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 2009 Peugeot RCZ 1.6 THP 200 GT (147.9 lb-ft per ton) or the 1948 Jaguar XK 120 SE FHC (147.9 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 8.30 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 8.6 secs, this made the DeLorean DMC -12 as fast as the 2007 Renault Megane Renaultsport 2.0 dCi 175 (8.30 secs) the 2005 Mazda MX5 1.8i (8.30 secs) the 2005 Peugeot 407 3.0 V6 Coupe (8.30 secs) the or the 2001 Volkswagen-VW Lupo 1.6 GTi (8.30 secs). This DeLorean DMC -12 is also faster than the 2007 Seat Ibiza 1.8 20vt FR (8.40 secs) the 2006 Peugeot 207 CC GT (8.40 secs) the 2003 Vauxhall-Opel Astra 2.2 16V (8.40 secs) the and the 1996 Peugeot 106 16v GTi (8.40 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the DMC and the 1991 Volkswagen-VW Golf 2.8 VR6

When talking about the performance of the DeLorean DMC on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 17.4 secs @ 78.6 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1991 Volkswagen-VW Golf 2.8 VR6 (17.34 secs), the 2010 Land-Rover Evoque 2.0 Si4 (17.35 secs), and the 1974 Aston-Martin Lagonda Series 1 5.3L V8 (17.37 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1981 version of the DeLorean DMC -12 has a maximum speed of 130mph.

Top Speed of the 1981 DMC equals the 2010 Audi A1 A1 1.4 TFSI S-Tronic (141 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1981 DeLorean DMC -12 then how about the 2010 Audi A1 A1 1.4 TFSI S-Tronic (141 mph), the 2009 Renault Clio 2.0 RenaultSport III 200 Cup (141 mph), or the 2006 Seat Leon 1.8 20vt Cupra R 210 (141 mph).

Related Links:

1981 DMC Rivals List.

A Brief History of DeLorean

Car Comparison