Performance Review: Jensen Interceptor Mk 3 S4 - [1972]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Jensen Interceptor Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Jensen Interceptor Mk 3 S4 is the 3 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 1972. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1973 Monteverdi Hai 450 GTS and the 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona.This particular Jensen Interceptor has a 7206cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

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

The Interceptor 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 Interceptor'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 1814 kgs (3999 lbs) this makes the Jensen Interceptor Mk 3 S4 in the same weight category as the 2022 Aston-Martin Vantage V12 5.2 Twin Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Jensen Interceptor shares the same bhp with the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp)

In terms of power the 7206cc 16V V8 engine produces 284 bhp (211 kW) @ 4800 rpm similar to the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 380 lb-ft (515.2 Nm) @ 3200 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 3.0 V6 Turbo (369 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

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

The 1998 Nissan 300ZX Version S Twin Turbo (181.5 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Jensen Interceptor.

The Jensen Interceptor has a Power to weight ratio of 156.5 bhp per ton and 209.4 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1972 Interceptor competing with the 1998 Nissan 300ZX Version S Twin Turbo (181.5 bhp per ton) or the 1990 Toyota Supra 2.5 Twin Turbo (181.5 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 Jensen Interceptor generating around 209.4 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 2006 BMW Alpina B3 3.0 Bi Turbo (234.3 lb-ft per ton) or the 1962 Buick Riviera 6.6 V8 (234.0 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 6.40 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.6 secs, this made the Jensen Interceptor Mk 3 S4 as fast as the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (6.40 secs) the 2016 Ford Fiesta ST 200 1.6 Turbo (6.40 secs) the 2012 Subaru Forester STi tS 2.5L Turbo (6.40 secs) the or the 2011 Honda Civic 2.0i 16v VTEC Type R - FN2 (6.40 secs). This Jensen Interceptor Mk 3 S4 is also faster than the 2020 Abarth 695 70th Anniversario 1.4 Turbo (6.50 secs) the 2018 Abarth 595 Competizione 1.4 Turbo (6.50 secs) the 2016 Subaru Legacy 3.6 R (6.50 secs) the and the 2016 Abarth 124 Spider 1.4 Turbo (6.50 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Interceptor and the 1992 Mazda RX7 Turbo

When talking about the performance of the Jensen Interceptor on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.3 secs @ 89.4 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1992 Mazda RX7 Turbo (15.23 secs), the 2015 Ford Focus ST-3 2.0 Turbo Estate (15.24 secs), and the 1993 Porsche 968 Club Sport (15.25 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1972 version of the Jensen Interceptor Mk 3 S4 has a maximum speed of 140mph.

Top Speed of the 1972 Interceptor equals the 2020 Lotus Elise Cup 250 1.8 Supercharged (151 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1972 Jensen Interceptor Mk 3 S4 then how about the 2020 Lotus Elise Cup 250 1.8 Supercharged (151 mph), the 2013 Volkswagen-VW Polo R WRC 2.0 Turbo (151 mph), or the 2006 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTi Edition 30 DSG (151 mph).

Related Links:

1972 Interceptor Rivals List.

A Brief History of Jensen

Car Comparison