Performance Review: Iso Grifo GL 365 5.4L V8 - [1965]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Iso Grifo Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Iso Grifo GL 365 5.4L V8 is the 4 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1965. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965 and the 1966 AC Cobra 427.This particular Iso Grifo has a 5354cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

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

The Grifo 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 Grifo'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 1450 kgs (3196 lbs) this makes the Iso Grifo GL 365 5.4L V8 in the same weight category as the 2023 Lotus Emira First Edition i4 2.0 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Iso Grifo shares the same bhp with the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (340 bhp)

In terms of power the 5354cc 16V V8 engine produces 360 bhp (268 kW) @ 6200 rpm similar to the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (340 bhp) or the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 6.2 V8 Petrol Hybrid C8 (369 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 360 lb-ft (488.0 Nm) @ 4000 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 Iso Grifo you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2004 BMW 5 Series M5 V10 4d SMG E60 (273.2 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Iso Grifo.

The Iso Grifo has a Power to weight ratio of 248.2 bhp per ton and 248.2 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1965 Grifo competing with the 2004 BMW 5 Series M5 V10 4d SMG E60 (273.2 bhp per ton) or the 2019 BMW 2 Series M2 CS 3.0 Turbo F87 (273.2 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 Iso Grifo generating around 248.2 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 2020 Maserati Ghibli Trofeo 3.8 V8 Twin Turbo (273.2 lb-ft per ton) or the 2015 Nissan Skyline GT-R Nismo R35 (273.1 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 6.00 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.2 secs, this made the Iso Grifo GL 365 5.4L V8 as fast as the 2019 Land-Rover Defender 110 3.0 Turbo (6.00 secs) the 2017 Dodge Challenger GT 3.6 V6 AWD (6.00 secs) the 2017 Toyota Century 5.0 V8 (6.00 secs) the or the 2015 Seat Leon ST Cupra 265 (6.00 secs). This Iso Grifo GL 365 5.4L V8 is also faster than the 2017 Maserati Ghibli 3.0 V6 Diesel (6.10 secs) the 2017 Hyundai i30 N 2.0 Turbo (6.10 secs) the 2017 Land-Rover Velar 3.0 SDV6 300 (6.10 secs) the and the 2016 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTI 2.0 Turbo DSG (6.10 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Grifo and the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 SS 5.7 V8

When talking about the performance of the Iso Grifo on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.01 secs @ 105.2 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 SS 5.7 V8 (12.95 secs), the 1986 Ferrari 328 GTS 3.2 V8 (12.95 secs), and the 1998 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 SS 5.7 V8 (12.96 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1965 version of the Iso Grifo GL 365 5.4L V8 has a maximum speed of 161mph.

Top Speed of the 1965 Grifo equals the 2012 Porsche Boxster S PDK (172 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1965 Iso Grifo GL 365 5.4L V8 then how about the 2012 Porsche Boxster S PDK (172 mph), the 2011 Lotus Evora S IPS 3.5 V8 (172 mph), or the 2009 Porsche Cayman S 3.4 (172 mph).

Related Links:

1965 Grifo Rivals List.

A Brief History of Iso

Car Comparison