Performance Review: MG ZT 2.5 V6 190 - [2001]

Figures & Specs Summary:

MG ZT Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the MG ZT 2.5 V6 190 is the 5 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 MG ZT has a 2497cc 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 ZT 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 ZT's Front Wheel Drive, Saloon combination then how about the 2022 Volkswagen-VW Golf R Performance 2.0 Turbo or the 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD 3.5 V6.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1485 kgs (3273 lbs) this makes the MG ZT 2.5 V6 190 in the same weight category as the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Circuit Edition 1.6 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The MG ZT shares the same bhp with the 2020 Abarth 695 70th Anniversario 1.4 Turbo (177 bhp)

In terms of power the 2497cc 24V V6 engine produces 187 bhp (139 kW) @ 6500 rpm similar to the 2020 Abarth 695 70th Anniversario 1.4 Turbo (177 bhp) or the 2020 Audi A1 Sportback 40 TFSI S tronic S line (197 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V6 throws out 180 lb-ft (244.0 Nm) @ 4000 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 MG ZT you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2017 Subaru Forester 2.0 XT Premium (150.8 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the MG ZT.

The MG ZT has a Power to weight ratio of 125.9 bhp per ton and 121.2 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2001 ZT competing with the 2017 Subaru Forester 2.0 XT Premium (150.8 bhp per ton) or the 1999 Audi TT 1.8T 225 (150.8 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 MG ZT generating around 121.2 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 1998 Honda NSX 3.0 V6 Auto (146.1 lb-ft per ton) or the 2011 Fiat Punto Evo Abarth 1.4 Turbo (146.0 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 7.80 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 8.1 secs, this made the MG ZT 2.5 V6 190 as fast as 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 or the 2000 Proton Satria 1.8 GTi (7.80 secs). This MG ZT 2.5 V6 190 is also faster than the 2016 Audi A3 2.0 TDI Quattro (7.90 secs) the 2013 Skoda Octavia RS TDI (7.90 secs) the 2013 Subaru BRZ 2L 210ps Sportshift (7.90 secs) the and the 2011 Infiniti FX 30d 3.0 V6 Diesel (7.90 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the ZT and the 1993 Mercedes C Class 36 AMG

When talking about the performance of the MG ZT on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 16 secs @ 85.5 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1993 Mercedes C Class 36 AMG (15.93 secs), the 2002 Volkswagen-VW Golf R32 (15.94 secs), and the 2001 Mercedes CLK 430 4.3 V8 (15.94 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2001 version of the MG ZT 2.5 V6 190 has a maximum speed of 141mph.

Top Speed of the 2001 ZT equals the 2021 Audi e-tron GT Quattro (152 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2001 MG ZT 2.5 V6 190 then how about the 2021 Audi e-tron GT Quattro (152 mph), the 2017 Volkswagen-VW Arteon 2.0 TDi SCR 4Motion (152 mph), or the 2013 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTi DSG 2.0 Turbo (152 mph).

Related Links:

2001 ZT Rivals List.

A Brief History of MG

Car Comparison