Performance Review: Lamborghini Diablo SE 5.7 V12 - [1994]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Lamborghini Diablo Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Lamborghini Diablo SE 5.7 V12 is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1994. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1995 McLaren F1 LM 6.1 V12 and the 1995 Ford GT 90 6.0L V12.This particular Lamborghini Diablo has a 5707cc 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 Diablo 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 Diablo'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 1447 kgs (3190 lbs) this makes the Lamborghini Diablo SE 5.7 V12 in the same weight category as the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Lamborghini Diablo shares the same bhp with the 3996 Bentley Continental GT 4.0 V8 Turbo Convertible (542 bhp)

In terms of power the 5707cc 48V V12 engine produces 520 bhp (387 kW) @ 7100 rpm similar to the 3996 Bentley Continental GT 4.0 V8 Turbo Convertible (542 bhp) or the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (500 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V12 throws out 428 lb-ft (580.2 Nm) @ 5900 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (418 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne S 4.0 V8 Turbo (443 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

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

The 2019 Aston-Martin DBS 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo Superleggera Volante (383.7 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Lamborghini Diablo.

The Lamborghini Diablo has a Power to weight ratio of 359.3 bhp per ton and 295.7 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1994 Diablo competing with the 2019 Aston-Martin DBS 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo Superleggera Volante (383.7 bhp per ton) or the 2022 Aston-Martin Vantage V12 5.2 Twin Turbo (383.3 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 Diablo generating around 295.7 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 2016 Mercedes E Class 63 S AMG 4Matic Saloon (320.7 lb-ft per ton) or the 2006 Mercedes CLK DTM Cabriolet (320.6 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 4.00 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 4.1 secs, this made the Lamborghini Diablo SE 5.7 V12 as fast as the 3996 Bentley Continental GT 4.0 V8 Turbo Convertible (4.00 secs) the 2022 Lotus Emira First Edition 3.5 V6 Supercharged Auto (4.00 secs) the 2021 Audi e-tron GT Quattro (4.00 secs) the or the 2020 BMW 4 Series M4 Coupe 3.0 Bi Turbo G82 (4.00 secs). This Lamborghini Diablo SE 5.7 V12 is also faster than the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (4.10 secs) the 2022 Lotus Emira First Edition 3.5 V6 Supercharged (4.10 secs) the 2022 BMW XM 4.4 V8 Twin Turbo G09 (4.10 secs) the and the 2022 BMW 2 Series M2 3.0 Twin Turbo G87 (4.10 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Diablo and the 2005 Vauxhall-Opel Monaro 6.0 V8 VXR

When talking about the performance of the Lamborghini Diablo on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 11.5 secs @ 119.0 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2005 Vauxhall-Opel Monaro 6.0 V8 VXR (11.45 secs), the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII MR FQ 300 (11.45 secs), and the 1999 Aston-Martin DB7 Vantage (11.46 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1994 version of the Lamborghini Diablo SE 5.7 V12 has a maximum speed of 210mph.

Top Speed of the 1994 Diablo equals the 2021 Lamborghini Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae Roadster 6.5 V12 (221 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1994 Lamborghini Diablo SE 5.7 V12 then how about the 2021 Lamborghini Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae Roadster 6.5 V12 (221 mph), the 2021 Lamborghini Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae 6.5 V12 (221 mph), or the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Spider 6.5 V12 (221 mph).

Related Links:

1994 Diablo Rivals List.

A Brief History of Lamborghini

Car Comparison