Performance Review: Triumph TR8 3.5 V8 - [1978]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Triumph TR8 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Triumph TR8 3.5 V8 is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1978. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1979 DeTomaso Pantera GT5 S 5.8 V8 and the 1978 BMW M1 3.5 2d Manual.This particular Triumph TR8 has a 3532cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

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

The TR8 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 TR8'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 1203 kgs (2652 lbs) this makes the Triumph TR8 3.5 V8 in the same weight category as the 2018 McLaren Senna 4.0 V8 Twin Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Triumph TR8 shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (134 bhp)

In terms of power the 3532cc 16V V8 engine produces 148 bhp (110 kW) @ 5000 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (134 bhp) or the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (148 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 164 lb-ft (222.3 Nm) @ 3500 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (162 lb-ft) or the 2020 Abarth 695 70th Anniversario 1.4 Turbo (184 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Triumph TR8 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1988 Lancia Delta Integrale 8v (148.0 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Triumph TR8.

The Triumph TR8 has a Power to weight ratio of 123.0 bhp per ton and 136.3 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1978 TR8 competing with the 1988 Lancia Delta Integrale 8v (148.0 bhp per ton) or the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX - Hatch (147.9 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 Triumph TR8 generating around 136.3 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 Alfa-Romeo GTV 3.2 V6 Lusso (161.3 lb-ft per ton) or the 1993 BMW 8 Series 840Ci 4.0 V8 2d Auto (161.2 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 7.70 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 8.0 secs, this made the Triumph TR8 3.5 V8 as fast as the 2010 Citroen DS4 200 1.6 Turbo (7.70 secs) the 2006 Volkswagen-VW Polo 1.8T GTi (7.70 secs) the 2005 Mitsubishi Colt CZT 1.5 Turbo (7.70 secs) the or the 2005 Audi Q7 4.2 V8 (7.70 secs). This Triumph TR8 3.5 V8 is also faster than the 2017 Ford Focus 2.0 ST-3 TDCi 185PS (7.80 secs) the 2015 Ford Focus 2.0 ST-2 TDCi 185PS (7.80 secs) the 2007 Lexus IS 250 AWD (7.80 secs) the and the 2001 MG ZT 2.5 V6 190 (7.80 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the TR8 and the 1977 Porsche 928 4.5 V8

When talking about the performance of the Triumph TR8 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 16.49 secs @ 82.9 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1977 Porsche 928 4.5 V8 (16.42 secs), the 2006 Seat Leon 1.8 20vt Cupra R 210 (16.42 secs), and the 2000 Volvo S60 T5 2.4 Turbo (16.42 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1978 version of the Triumph TR8 3.5 V8 has a maximum speed of 135mph.

Top Speed of the 1978 TR8 equals the 2020 Audi A1 Sportback 40 TFSI S tronic S line (146 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1978 Triumph TR8 3.5 V8 then how about the 2020 Audi A1 Sportback 40 TFSI S tronic S line (146 mph), the 2018 Alfa-Romeo Giulia Ti 2.0 Turbo (146 mph), or the 2018 Alfa-Romeo Giulia Q4 2.0L Turbo (146 mph).

Related Links:

1978 TR8 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Triumph

Car Comparison