Performance Review: MG ZT 4.6 V8 260 - [2003]

Figures & Specs Summary:

MG ZT Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the MG ZT 4.6 V8 260 is the 6 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2003. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2004 Westfield Sport 2000S and the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII MR FQ 400.This particular MG ZT has a 4601cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

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

The ZT 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 ZT's Rear Wheel Drive, Saloon 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 1680 kgs (3703 lbs) this makes the MG ZT 4.6 V8 260 in the same weight category as the 2023 Aston-Martin Valour 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The MG ZT shares the same bhp with the 2022 Hyundai i30 N Performance 2.0 Turbo (276 bhp)

In terms of power the 4601cc 16V V8 engine produces 256 bhp (190 kW) @ 5000 rpm similar to the 2022 Hyundai i30 N Performance 2.0 Turbo (276 bhp) or the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD (266 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 302 lb-ft (409.4 Nm) @ 4000 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (295 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (310 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

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

The 1990 Nissan 300ZX 3.0 V6 Turbo (177.2 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the MG ZT.

The MG ZT has a Power to weight ratio of 152.3 bhp per ton and 179.7 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2003 ZT competing with the 1990 Nissan 300ZX 3.0 V6 Turbo (177.2 bhp per ton) or the 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom Series 2 (176.9 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 MG ZT generating around 179.7 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 1982 Lamborghini Countach LP500S (204.7 lb-ft per ton) or the 2000 Subaru Impreza S201 STI (204.7 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 6.20 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.4 secs, this made the MG ZT 4.6 V8 260 as fast as the 2019 Toyota Supra SZ-R 2.0 Turbo (6.20 secs) the 2019 Toyota Supra SZ 2.0 Turbo (6.20 secs) the 2017 Volkswagen-VW Arteon 2.0 TDi SCR 4Motion (6.20 secs) the or the 2014 Peugeot 208 Gti 1.6 Turbo 30th (6.20 secs). This MG ZT 4.6 V8 260 is also faster than the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (6.30 secs) the 2020 Audi A1 Sportback 40 TFSI S tronic S line (6.30 secs) the 2018 Ford Fiesta ST 1.5 Turbo 5 door (6.30 secs) the and the 2018 Ford Fiesta ST 1.5 Turbo (6.30 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the ZT and the 2003 Rolls-Royce Phantom Saloon 4d

When talking about the performance of the MG ZT on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.27 secs @ 89.6 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2003 Rolls-Royce Phantom Saloon 4d (15.20 secs), the 2017 BMW 5 Series 54.d xDrive Touring G31 (15.22 secs), and the 1992 Mazda RX7 Turbo (15.23 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2003 version of the MG ZT 4.6 V8 260 has a maximum speed of 155mph.

Top Speed of the 2003 ZT equals the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2003 MG ZT 4.6 V8 260 then how about the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph), the 2022 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (166 mph), or the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 5.0 V8 (166 mph).

Related Links:

2003 ZT Rivals List.

A Brief History of MG

Car Comparison