Performance Review: Renault Clio 3.0 V6 255 - [2001]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Renault Clio Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Renault Clio 3.0 V6 255 is the 6 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2001. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2001 Lamborghini Diablo GTR 6.0L V12 and the 2002 Ferrari Enzo 6.0 V12.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 255 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 Hyundai i30 N Performance 2.0 Turbo (276 bhp)

In terms of power the 2946cc 24V V6 engine produces 252 bhp (187 kW) @ 7150 rpm similar to the 2022 Hyundai i30 N Performance 2.0 Turbo (276 bhp) or the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V6 throws out 221 lb-ft (299.6 Nm) @ 4650 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 2017 KIA Stinger GT 3.3 V6 Turbo (205.0 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Renault Clio.

The Renault Clio has a Power to weight ratio of 180.0 bhp per ton and 157.8 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2001 Clio competing with the 2017 KIA Stinger GT 3.3 V6 Turbo (205.0 bhp per ton) or the 2015 Peugeot 308 GTi 1.6 Turbo 250 (204.9 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 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 255 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 Seat Leon ST Cupra 300 DSG (5.80 secs) the or the 2017 Renault Megane RS 1.8 Turbo 280 (5.80 secs). This Renault Clio 3.0 V6 255 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 1972 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS

When talking about the performance of the Renault Clio on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.49 secs @ 94.4 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1972 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS (14.42 secs), the 1998 Audi A6 4.2 Quattro (14.42 secs), and the 1993 Toyota MR2 Mk2 Turbo Rev 3 (14.43 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2001 version of the Renault Clio 3.0 V6 255 has a maximum speed of 153mph.

Top Speed of the 2001 Clio equals the 1999 Porsche Boxster 3.2 S 260 (164 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2001 Renault Clio 3.0 V6 255 then how about the 1999 Porsche Boxster 3.2 S 260 (164 mph), the 1977 Lamborghini Countach LP400S (164 mph), or the 1967 Ford GT 40 (164 mph).

Related Links:

2001 Clio Rivals List.

A Brief History of Renault

Car Comparison