Performance Review: Renault Clio 3.0 V6 230 - [2002]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Renault Clio Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Renault Clio 3.0 V6 230 is the 6 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2002. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2002 Ferrari Enzo 6.0 V12 and the 2002 Pagani Zonda C12 S 7.3.This particular Renault Clio has a 2946cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 6 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V6's includes the 2014 Radical RXC 3.5 V6 Twin Turbo

The Clio shares its Petrol V6 engine configuration with the likes of the 2014 Radical RXC 3.5 V6 Twin Turbo and the 2015 Radical RXC Turbo 500 3.5 V6. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Clio's Rear Wheel Drive, Hatchback 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 1400 kgs (3086 lbs) this makes the Renault Clio 3.0 V6 230 in the same weight category as the 2022 Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica 5.2 V10 or the give or take 50kg.

The Renault Clio shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp)

In terms of power the 2946cc 24V V6 engine produces 230 bhp (171 kW) @ 6000 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 V6 throws out 221 lb-ft (299.6 Nm) @ 3750 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 Renault Clio you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1968 Alpine A110 1300 (188.8 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Renault Clio.

The Renault Clio has a Power to weight ratio of 164.2 bhp per ton and 157.8 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2002 Clio competing with the 1968 Alpine A110 1300 (188.8 bhp per ton) or the 2009 BMW Z4 35i sDrive 2d (188.7 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 Renault Clio generating around 157.8 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 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 351 (182.8 lb-ft per ton) or the 1973 Ford Capri RS 3100 (182.8 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 5.80 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.0 secs, this made the Renault Clio 3.0 V6 230 as fast as the 2021 KIA K5 GT 2.5 Turbo (5.80 secs) the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD 3.5 V6 (5.80 secs) the 2017 Renault Megane RS 1.8 Turbo 280 (5.80 secs) the or the 2017 Seat Leon ST Cupra 300 DSG (5.80 secs). This Renault Clio 3.0 V6 230 is also faster than the 2019 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost Automatic Wagon (5.90 secs) the 2019 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost Automatic (5.90 secs) the 2017 Hyundai i30 N Performance 2.0 Turbo (5.90 secs) the and the 2015 Seat Leon ST Cupra 280 (5.90 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Clio and the 2014 Seat Leon Cupra 265 DSG

When talking about the performance of the Renault Clio on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.93 secs @ 91.6 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2014 Seat Leon Cupra 265 DSG (14.87 secs), the 2022 Volkswagen-VW Arteon 2.0T AWD (14.87 secs), and the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe 3.0 V6 Turbo (14.88 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2002 version of the Renault Clio 3.0 V6 230 has a maximum speed of 147mph.

Top Speed of the 2002 Clio equals the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (158 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2002 Renault Clio 3.0 V6 230 then how about the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (158 mph), the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (158 mph), or the 2020 Maserati Ghibli GranSport Petrol Hybrid (158 mph).

Related Links:

2002 Clio Rivals List.

A Brief History of Renault

Car Comparison