Performance Review: Ford Sierra XR4i 2.8L V6 - [1984]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Ford Sierra Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Ford Sierra XR4i 2.8L V6 is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1984. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1985 Lamborghini Countach LP5000S QV and the 1984 Audi Quattro Sport 2.2 T.This particular Ford Sierra has a 2792cc 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 Sierra 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 Sierra's Rear Wheel Drive, Hatchback 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 1205 kgs (2656 lbs) this makes the Ford Sierra XR4i 2.8L V6 in the same weight category as the 2018 McLaren Senna 4.0 V8 Twin Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Ford Sierra shares the same bhp with the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (148 bhp)

In terms of power the 2792cc 12V V6 engine produces 160 bhp (119 kW) @ 5700 rpm similar to the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (148 bhp) or the 2020 Abarth 695 70th Anniversario 1.4 Turbo (177 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V6 throws out 159 lb-ft (215.5 Nm) @ 4300 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 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (184 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

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

The 2006 Seat Leon 1.8 20vt Cupra R 210 (157.7 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Ford Sierra.

The Ford Sierra has a Power to weight ratio of 132.7 bhp per ton and 131.9 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1984 Sierra competing with the 2006 Seat Leon 1.8 20vt Cupra R 210 (157.7 bhp per ton) or the 1992 BMW 7 Series 740i E32 (157.5 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 Ford Sierra generating around 131.9 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 Seat Ibiza Cupra 1.4 Turbo (156.9 lb-ft per ton) or the 1955 Mercedes SL Class 300SL Gullwing W198 (156.9 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 7.80 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 8.1 secs, this made the Ford Sierra XR4i 2.8L V6 as fast as the 2017 Ford Focus 2.0 ST-3 TDCi 185PS (7.80 secs) the 2015 Ford Focus 2.0 ST-2 TDCi 185PS (7.80 secs) the 2007 Lexus IS 250 AWD (7.80 secs) the or the 2001 MG ZT 2.5 V6 190 (7.80 secs). This Ford Sierra XR4i 2.8L V6 is also faster than the 2016 Audi A3 2.0 TDI Quattro (7.90 secs) the 2013 Skoda Octavia RS TDI (7.90 secs) the 2013 Subaru BRZ 2L 210ps Sportshift (7.90 secs) the and the 2011 Infiniti FX 30d 3.0 V6 Diesel (7.90 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Sierra and the 1972 Chevrolet Corvette C3 Stingray ZR-1

When talking about the performance of the Ford Sierra on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 16.08 secs @ 85.1 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1972 Chevrolet Corvette C3 Stingray ZR-1 (16.02 secs), the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (16.02 secs), and the 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range (16.03 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1984 version of the Ford Sierra XR4i 2.8L V6 has a maximum speed of 130mph.

Top Speed of the 1984 Sierra 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 1984 Ford Sierra XR4i 2.8L V6 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:

1984 Sierra Rivals List.

A Brief History of Ford

Car Comparison