Performance Review: Lagonda V12 LeMans 4.5L V8 - [1939]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Lagonda V12 LeMans Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Lagonda V12 LeMans 4.5L V8 is the 4 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1939. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1939 Aston-Martin Atom 2.0L and the This particular Lagonda V12 LeMans has a 4480cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 12 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V12's includes the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Spider 6.5 V12

The V12 LeMans shares its Petrol V12 engine configuration with the likes of the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Spider 6.5 V12 and the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Coupe 6.5 V12. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the V12 LeMans's Rear Wheel Drive, Cabriolet 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 1346 kgs (2967 lbs) this makes the Lagonda V12 LeMans 4.5L V8 in the same weight category as the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Coupe 6.5 V12 or the give or take 50kg.

The Lagonda V12 LeMans shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp)

In terms of power the 4480cc 24V V12 engine produces 206 bhp (153 kW) @ 5500 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 V12 throws out 225 lb-ft (305.0 Nm) @ 4000 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (236 lb-ft) or the 2020 McLaren Sabre 4.0 V8 Twin Turbo (206 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Lagonda V12 LeMans you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2005 Dodge Magnum 5.7 V8 RT (178.0 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Lagonda V12 LeMans.

The Lagonda V12 LeMans has a Power to weight ratio of 153.0 bhp per ton and 167.1 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1939 V12 LeMans competing with the 2005 Dodge Magnum 5.7 V8 RT (178.0 bhp per ton) or the 2003 Chrysler 300 c 5.7 Hemi (178.0 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 Lagonda V12 LeMans generating around 167.1 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 Audi TT S Turbo 50 TFSI (192.1 lb-ft per ton) or the 2005 Audi A4 RS4 4.2 V8 (192.1 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 8.00 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 8.3 secs, this made the Lagonda V12 LeMans 4.5L V8 as fast as the 2011 Citroen DS5 1.6 THP 200 (8.00 secs) the 2009 Porsche Cayenne 3.0 V6 Turbo Diesel (8.00 secs) the 2008 Alfa-Romeo Mito 1.4 155 T-Jet Veloce (8.00 secs) the or the 2007 Fiat Bravo 1.9 Sport Multijet (8.00 secs). This Lagonda V12 LeMans 4.5L V8 is also faster than the 2014 Peugeot 308 GT 2.0 Blue HDI 180 (8.10 secs) the 2008 Fiat Grande Punto 1.4 T-Jet 155 Abarth (8.10 secs) the 2006 Volkswagen-VW Golf GT TDi 170 (8.10 secs) the and the 2005 Vauxhall-Opel Astra 2.0 Turbo SRI (8.10 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the V12 LeMans and the 1992 Mazda RX7 Turbo

When talking about the performance of the Lagonda V12 LeMans 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 1939 version of the Lagonda V12 LeMans 4.5L V8 has a maximum speed of 125mph.

Top Speed of the 1939 V12 LeMans equals the 2012 Ford Fiesta ST 1.6 Turbo (136 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1939 Lagonda V12 LeMans 4.5L V8 then how about the 2012 Ford Fiesta ST 1.6 Turbo (136 mph), the 2011 Alfa-Romeo Mito 170 Quadrifoglio Verde (136 mph), or the 1992 Subaru Legacy 2.0 Turbo (136 mph).

Related Links:

1939 V12 LeMans Rivals List.

A Brief History of Lagonda

Car Comparison