Performance Review: TVR Griffith 4.3 - [1992]

Figures & Specs Summary:

TVR Griffith Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the TVR Griffith 4.3 is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1992. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1993 Jaguar XJ 220 S 3.5 V6 Turbo and the 1992 Bugatti EB110 SuperSport.This particular TVR Griffith has a 4280cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

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

The Griffith 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 Griffith's Rear Wheel Drive, Cabriolet 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 1045 kgs (2303 lbs) this makes the TVR Griffith 4.3 in the same weight category as the 2016 Abarth 124 Spider 1.4 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The TVR Griffith shares the same bhp with the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp)

In terms of power the 4280cc 16V V8 engine produces 280 bhp (208 kW) @ 5500 rpm similar to the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 305 lb-ft (413.5 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 TVR Griffith you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2021 Mercedes SL Class 63 4Matic+ 4.0 V8 Twin Turbo (292.8 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the TVR Griffith.

The TVR Griffith has a Power to weight ratio of 267.9 bhp per ton and 291.8 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1992 Griffith competing with the 2021 Mercedes SL Class 63 4Matic+ 4.0 V8 Twin Turbo (292.8 bhp per ton) or the 2017 Mercedes E Class 63 S AMG 4Matic Estate (291.7 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 TVR Griffith generating around 291.8 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 2016 Mercedes GT R 4.0 V8 Bi-Turbo (316.5 lb-ft per ton) or the 2018 Mercedes GT R AMG Coupe 4.0 V8 Bi Turbo (316.5 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 4.10 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 4.2 secs, this made the TVR Griffith 4.3 as fast as the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (4.10 secs) the 2022 BMW 2 Series M2 3.0 Twin Turbo G87 (4.10 secs) the 2022 Lotus Emira First Edition 3.5 V6 Supercharged (4.10 secs) the or the 2022 BMW XM 4.4 V8 Twin Turbo G09 (4.10 secs). This TVR Griffith 4.3 is also faster than the 2022 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (4.20 secs) the 2021 BMW 2 Series M240i xDrive 3.0 Turbo G42 (4.20 secs) the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 5.2 V8 (4.20 secs) the and the 2020 Lotus Elise Sport 220 1.8 Supercharged (4.20 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Griffith and the 2001 Pontiac Firebird Formula W96 Ram Air

When talking about the performance of the TVR Griffith on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 12.76 secs @ 107.2 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2001 Pontiac Firebird Formula W96 Ram Air (12.70 secs), the 2012 Land-Rover Range Rover Sport 5.0 V8 Supercharged (12.70 secs), and the 2015 Peugeot 308 GTi 1.6 Turbo 250 (12.70 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1992 version of the TVR Griffith 4.3 has a maximum speed of 167mph.

Top Speed of the 1992 Griffith equals the 2019 Porsche Cayenne 4.0 V8 Turbo (178 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1992 TVR Griffith 4.3 then how about the 2019 Porsche Cayenne 4.0 V8 Turbo (178 mph), the 2017 Lotus Exige 380 3.5 V6 (178 mph), or the 2017 Lotus Exige 380 3.5 V6 Roadster (178 mph).

Related Links:

1992 Griffith Rivals List.

A Brief History of TVR

Car Comparison