Performance Review: Triumph TR4 2.1L - [1961]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Triumph TR4 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Triumph TR4 2.1L is the 4 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1961. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1962 Chevrolet Corvette C1 327 V8 and the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO.This particular Triumph TR4 has a 2138cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders in a St formation.

Alternative Petrol St4's includes the 2019 Ariel Atom 4 2.0 Turbo

The TR4 shares its Petrol St4 engine configuration with the likes of the 2019 Ariel Atom 4 2.0 Turbo and the 2013 Caterham 7 620 R 2.0 L Supercharged. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the TR4'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 966 kgs (2129 lbs) this makes the Triumph TR4 2.1L in the same weight category as the 2007 Mazda 2 1.5 Sport or the give or take 50kg.

The Triumph TR4 shares the same bhp with the 2017 Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCi ST-Line 120 (118 bhp)

In terms of power the 2138cc 8V St4 engine produces 100 bhp (74 kW) @ 4600 rpm similar to the 2017 Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCi ST-Line 120 (118 bhp) or the 2013 Caterham 7 160/165 0.7L Turbo (79 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated St4 throws out 127 lb-ft (172.1 Nm) @ 3350 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2015 Mazda MX5 2.0i Roadster Coupe (148 lb-ft) or the 2013 Caterham 7 485 2.0L (152 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Triumph TR4 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2006 Volvo C70 2.5 T5 Coupe Convertible Sport (128.5 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Triumph TR4.

The Triumph TR4 has a Power to weight ratio of 103.5 bhp per ton and 131.4 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1961 TR4 competing with the 2006 Volvo C70 2.5 T5 Coupe Convertible Sport (128.5 bhp per ton) or the 1999 Citroen Saxo 1.6i VTS (128.3 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 Triumph TR4 generating around 131.4 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 1996 BMW Z3 E36 2.8L Roadster (155.9 lb-ft per ton) or the 2001 Ford Thunderbird 4.0L V8 (155.9 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 10.90 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 11.3 secs, this made the Triumph TR4 2.1L as fast as the 1975 Rolls-Royce Camargue 6.8 V8 (10.90 secs) the 2019 Ford Ranger Double Cab High Rider 3.2 TDCI (11.00 secs) the 2011 Dacia Sandero 1.6 16v (11.00 secs) the or the 1982 Vauxhall-Opel Manta 1.8 GT (11.00 secs). This Triumph TR4 2.1L is also faster than the 2019 Ford Ranger Double Cab High Rider 3.2 TDCI (11.00 secs) the 2011 Dacia Sandero 1.6 16v (11.00 secs) the 1982 Vauxhall-Opel Manta 1.8 GT (11.00 secs) the and the 1982 Renault 11 GTX (11.00 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the TR4 and the 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman John Cooper Woks 2.0 Turbo

When talking about the performance of the Triumph TR4 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 17.55 secs @ 77.9 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman John Cooper Woks 2.0 Turbo (17.47 secs), the 2017 Toyota Century 5.0 V8 (17.48 secs), and the 2012 Subaru BRZ 2L (17.50 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1961 version of the Triumph TR4 2.1L has a maximum speed of 103mph.

Top Speed of the 1961 TR4 equals the 2005 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S (114 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1961 Triumph TR4 2.1L then how about the 2005 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S (114 mph), the 1995 Caterham Super 7 1.4 Supersport (114 mph), or the 1990 Mazda MX5 1.6 (114 mph).

Related Links:

1961 TR4 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Triumph

Car Comparison