Performance Review: DeTomaso Mangusta 4.9 V8 - [1966]

Figures & Specs Summary:

DeTomaso Mangusta Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the DeTomaso Mangusta 4.9 V8 is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1966. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1966 AC Cobra 427 and the 1966 Chevrolet Corvette C2 Stingray 427 425hp.This particular DeTomaso Mangusta has a 4942cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

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

The Mangusta 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 Mangusta'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 1383 kgs (3048 lbs) this makes the DeTomaso Mangusta 4.9 V8 in the same weight category as the 2022 Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica 5.2 V10 or the give or take 50kg.

The DeTomaso Mangusta shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp)

In terms of power the 4942cc 16V V8 engine produces 230 bhp (171 kW) @ 4500 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp) or the 2020 Audi TT S Turbo 50 TFSI (225 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 340 lb-ft (460.9 Nm) @ 3500 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Lotus Emira First Edition i4 2.0 Turbo (317 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Boxster Spyder RS 4.0 982 (332 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

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

The 1967 Dodge Dart GTS Hardtop 6.3 V8 383 (191.2 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the DeTomaso Mangusta.

The DeTomaso Mangusta has a Power to weight ratio of 166.3 bhp per ton and 245.8 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1966 Mangusta competing with the 1967 Dodge Dart GTS Hardtop 6.3 V8 383 (191.2 bhp per ton) or the 2012 Renault Megane RenaultSport 2.0T 265 (191.0 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 DeTomaso Mangusta generating around 245.8 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 2017 BMW 4 Series M4 GTS F82 (270.6 lb-ft per ton) or the 2005 Fisker Tramonto 5.4 V8 (270.5 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 5.80 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.0 secs, this made the DeTomaso Mangusta 4.9 V8 as fast as the 2021 KIA K5 GT 2.5 Turbo (5.80 secs) the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD 3.5 V6 (5.80 secs) the 2017 Seat Leon ST Cupra 300 DSG (5.80 secs) the or the 2017 Renault Megane RS 1.8 Turbo 280 (5.80 secs). This DeTomaso Mangusta 4.9 V8 is also faster than the 2019 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost Automatic Wagon (5.90 secs) the 2019 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost Automatic (5.90 secs) the 2017 Hyundai i30 N Performance 2.0 Turbo (5.90 secs) the and the 2015 Seat Leon ST Cupra 280 (5.90 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Mangusta and the 2008 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L

When talking about the performance of the DeTomaso Mangusta on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.88 secs @ 92.0 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2008 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L (14.82 secs), the 1991 Audi V8 4.2 V8 Quattro (14.82 secs), and the 2005 Ford Mustang GT 4.6 V8 Convertible (14.82 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1966 version of the DeTomaso Mangusta 4.9 V8 has a maximum speed of 150mph.

Top Speed of the 1966 Mangusta equals the 2013 Porsche Panamera Diesel 3.0 V6 Turbo (161 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1966 DeTomaso Mangusta 4.9 V8 then how about the 2013 Porsche Panamera Diesel 3.0 V6 Turbo (161 mph), the 2013 Porsche Panamera 3.6 V6 (161 mph), or the 2011 Radical SR3 SL 2.0 Turbo (161 mph).

Related Links:

1966 Mangusta Rivals List.

A Brief History of DeTomaso

Car Comparison