Performance Review: Holden Monaro GTS 327 5.4 V8 - [1968]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Holden Monaro Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Holden Monaro GTS 327 5.4 V8 is the 4 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1968. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1969 McLaren M6 GT 5.7 V8 and the 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429.This particular Holden Monaro has a 5354cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

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

The Monaro 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 Monaro'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 1495 kgs (3295 lbs) this makes the Holden Monaro GTS 327 5.4 V8 in the same weight category as the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Circuit Edition 1.6 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Holden Monaro shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp)

In terms of power the 5354cc 16V V8 engine produces 250 bhp (186 kW) @ 4800 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp) or the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD (266 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 325 lb-ft (440.6 Nm) @ 3200 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Porsche Boxster Spyder RS 4.0 982 (332 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 Holden Monaro you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2014 BMW 2 Series M235i Cabriolet F23 (192.2 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Holden Monaro.

The Holden Monaro has a Power to weight ratio of 167.2 bhp per ton and 217.3 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1968 Monaro competing with the 2014 BMW 2 Series M235i Cabriolet F23 (192.2 bhp per ton) or the 2015 BMW 3 Series 340i xDrive F30 LCI (192.2 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 Holden Monaro generating around 217.3 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 1966 Buick Riviera 6.6l V8 (242.1 lb-ft per ton) or the 2012 Audi R8 Plus 5.2 V10 (241.9 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 7.30 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 7.5 secs, this made the Holden Monaro GTS 327 5.4 V8 as fast as the 2019 Peugeot 508 PureTech 225 GT S and S (7.30 secs) the 2013 Seat Leon SC 2.0 TDI FR (7.30 secs) the 2013 Subaru BRZ 2L 210ps (7.30 secs) the or the 2013 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTD DSG 2.0 Turbo Diesel (7.30 secs). This Holden Monaro GTS 327 5.4 V8 is also faster than the 2019 Ford Focus ST 2.0 EcoBlue (7.40 secs) the 2013 KIA Pro Ceed GT 1.6 Turbo (7.40 secs) the 2012 Seat Ibiza 1.4 FR Turbo Supercharged (7.40 secs) the and the 2012 Volkswagen-VW Beetle 2.0 TSi Cabriolet (7.40 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Monaro and the 1996 Alfa-Romeo GTV 3.2 V6 Lusso

When talking about the performance of the Holden Monaro on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.83 secs @ 92.2 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1996 Alfa-Romeo GTV 3.2 V6 Lusso (14.76 secs), the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT 6.0 (14.77 secs), and the 1982 Ferrari 308 GTB QV 3.0l V8 (14.78 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1968 version of the Holden Monaro GTS 327 5.4 V8 has a maximum speed of 114mph.

Top Speed of the 1968 Monaro equals the 2011 Fisker Karma Hybrid (125 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1968 Holden Monaro GTS 327 5.4 V8 then how about the 2011 Fisker Karma Hybrid (125 mph), the 2011 Renault Twingo 1.6 133 Renaultsport Cup (125 mph), or the 2009 Tesla Roadster Electric 248bhp (125 mph).

Related Links:

1968 Monaro Rivals List.

A Brief History of Holden

Car Comparison