Performance Review: Saleen S7 7.0 V8 - [2000]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Saleen S7 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Saleen S7 7.0 V8 is the 6 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2000. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the and the 2000 Ultima GTR 720.This particular Saleen S7 has a 6998cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

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

The S7 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 S7'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 1247 kgs (2749 lbs) this makes the Saleen S7 7.0 V8 in the same weight category as the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line or the give or take 50kg.

The Saleen S7 shares the same bhp with the 3996 Bentley Continental GT 4.0 V8 Turbo Convertible (542 bhp)

In terms of power the 6998cc 16V V8 engine produces 550 bhp (410 kW) @ 5900 rpm similar to the 3996 Bentley Continental GT 4.0 V8 Turbo Convertible (542 bhp) or the 2023 BMW 3 Series M3 CS 3.0 Twin Turbo G80 (542 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 525 lb-ft (711.8 Nm) @ 4000 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Lotus Eletre 603 bhp (524 lb-ft) or the 2023 Lamborghini Revuelto 6.5 V12 Petrol Hybrid (535 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Saleen S7 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1992 Caterham Super 7 JPE (463.8 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Saleen S7.

The Saleen S7 has a Power to weight ratio of 441.0 bhp per ton and 421.0 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2000 S7 competing with the 1992 Caterham Super 7 JPE (463.8 bhp per ton) or the 2016 Lamborghini Aventador S 6.5 V12 (463.4 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 Saleen S7 generating around 421.0 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 2023 McLaren 750S Spider 4.0 V8 Twin Turbo (444.9 lb-ft per ton) or the 2018 Ferrari 488 Pista 3.9 V8 Turbo (443.7 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 3.30 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 3.4 secs, this made the Saleen S7 7.0 V8 as fast as the 2023 Porsche Boxster Spyder RS 4.0 982 (3.30 secs) the 2023 Ferrari Roma Spider 3.9 V8 Turbo (3.30 secs) the 2023 BMW 3 Series M3 CS 3.0 Twin Turbo G80 (3.30 secs) the or the 2022 KTM X-Bow GT-XR 2.5 Turbo (3.30 secs). This Saleen S7 7.0 V8 is also faster than the 2023 Aston-Martin DBS 770 Ultimate Volante 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo (3.40 secs) the 2022 Aston-Martin Vantage 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo Roadster (3.40 secs) the 2022 Aston-Martin Vantage V12 5.2 Twin Turbo (3.40 secs) the and the 2022 Aston-Martin Vantage V12 5.2 Twin Turbo (3.40 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the S7 and the 2001 BMW 3 Series M3 GTR E46

When talking about the performance of the Saleen S7 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 10.76 secs @ 127.1 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2001 BMW 3 Series M3 GTR E46 (10.72 secs), the 2003 Lotus Elise 1.8 S2 Sport 190 (10.73 secs), and the 2005 Lotus Exige 240 R (10.74 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2000 version of the Saleen S7 7.0 V8 has a maximum speed of 240mph.

Top Speed of the 2000 S7 equals the 2005 Bugatti Veyron 8.0 litre W16 (252 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2000 Saleen S7 7.0 V8 then how about the 2005 Bugatti Veyron 8.0 litre W16 (252 mph), the 2008 Koenigsegg CCX R Special Edition 4.8 V8 S (254 mph), or the 2015 Koenigsegg Regera 5.0 V8 Turbo (255 mph).

Related Links:

2000 S7 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Saleen

Car Comparison