Performance Review: Lamborghini Countach LP5000S QV - [1985]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Lamborghini Countach Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Lamborghini Countach LP5000S QV is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1985. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1985 TVR 390 SE 3.9l V8 and the 1985 Ford RS200 1.8T 16V.This particular Lamborghini Countach has a 5167cc 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 Countach 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 Countach'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 1490 kgs (3284 lbs) this makes the Lamborghini Countach LP5000S QV in the same weight category as the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Circuit Edition 1.6 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Lamborghini Countach shares the same bhp with the 2023 Porsche Cayenne S 4.0 V8 Turbo (467 bhp)

In terms of power the 5167cc 48V V12 engine produces 448 bhp (334 kW) @ 7000 rpm similar to the 2023 Porsche Cayenne S 4.0 V8 Turbo (467 bhp) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe S 4.0 V8 Turbo (467 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V12 throws out 369 lb-ft (500.2 Nm) @ 5200 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 Lamborghini Countach you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1991 Jaguar XJ 220 (325.0 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Lamborghini Countach.

The Lamborghini Countach has a Power to weight ratio of 300.6 bhp per ton and 247.6 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1985 Countach competing with the 1991 Jaguar XJ 220 (325.0 bhp per ton) or the 2012 Aston-Martin Vanquish 5.9 V12 (324.8 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 Lamborghini Countach generating around 247.6 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 2019 Bentley Flying Spur 6.0 W12 Twin Turbo (272.4 lb-ft per ton) or the 2022 Chevrolet Camaro SS 6.2 V8 (272.2 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 4.60 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 4.8 secs, this made the Lamborghini Countach LP5000S QV as fast as the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (4.60 secs) the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (4.60 secs) the 2021 BMW 2 Series M240i 3.0 Cabrio Turbo F23 (4.60 secs) the or the 2020 Audi A3 S3 Saloon (4.60 secs). This Lamborghini Countach LP5000S QV is also faster than the 2022 Mini Cooper Clubman John Cooper Works 2.0 Turbo ALL4 (4.70 secs) the 2020 KIA Stinger GT 3.3 V6 Turbo AWD (4.70 secs) the 2020 BMW X4 M40d 3.0 Turbo (4.70 secs) the and the 2020 KIA Stinger GT2 3.3 V6 Turbo (4.70 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Countach and the 1967 AC 428 Coupe 7.0L V8

When talking about the performance of the Lamborghini Countach on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 12.2 secs @ 112.2 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1967 AC 428 Coupe 7.0L V8 (12.14 secs), the 2013 Porsche Macan 3.6 Turbo (12.14 secs), and the 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 996 (12.15 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1985 version of the Lamborghini Countach LP5000S QV has a maximum speed of 185mph.

Top Speed of the 1985 Countach equals the 2022 Porsche 911 Sport Classic 3.7 Turbo 992 (196 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1985 Lamborghini Countach LP5000S QV then how about the 2022 Porsche 911 Sport Classic 3.7 Turbo 992 (196 mph), the 2021 Mercedes SL Class 63 4Matic+ 4.0 V8 Twin Turbo (196 mph), or the 2021 Porsche Cayman GT4 RS 4.0 982 (196 mph).

Related Links:

1985 Countach Rivals List.

A Brief History of Lamborghini

Car Comparison