Performance Review: Lamborghini Jarama 3.9 V12 - [1970]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Lamborghini Jarama Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Lamborghini Jarama 3.9 V12 is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1970. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1970 Monteverdi Hai 450 SS and the 1970 Iso Grifo Can-Am 7.4 V8.This particular Lamborghini Jarama has a 3929cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 12 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V12's includes the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Spider 6.5 V12

The Jarama shares its Petrol V12 engine configuration with the likes of the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Spider 6.5 V12 and the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Coupe 6.5 V12. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Jarama'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 1340 kgs (2954 lbs) this makes the Lamborghini Jarama 3.9 V12 in the same weight category as the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Spider 6.5 V12 or the give or take 50kg.

The Lamborghini Jarama shares the same bhp with the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (340 bhp)

In terms of power the 3929cc 24V V12 engine produces 350 bhp (260 kW) @ 7500 rpm similar to the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (340 bhp) or the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 6.2 V8 Petrol Hybrid C8 (369 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V12 throws out 290 lb-ft (393.1 Nm) @ 5500 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (310 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (310 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

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

The 2009 Cadillac CTS -V 6.2 V8 Auto (285.7 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Lamborghini Jarama.

The Lamborghini Jarama has a Power to weight ratio of 261.1 bhp per ton and 216.4 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1970 Jarama competing with the 2009 Cadillac CTS -V 6.2 V8 Auto (285.7 bhp per ton) or the 2009 Audi R8 6.0 Quattro V12 TDI (285.7 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 Lamborghini Jarama generating around 216.4 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 1970 Ford Falcon 4th Gen 351 V8 4-speed (241.4 lb-ft per ton) or the 2013 Maserati Ghibli 3.0 V6 Turbo Diesel (241.4 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 6.70 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.9 secs, this made the Lamborghini Jarama 3.9 V12 as fast as the 2020 Ford Puma ST 1.5 Turbo (6.70 secs) the 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0 V6 Diesel (6.70 secs) the 2012 Abarth 695 Edizione Maserati 1.4 Turbo (6.70 secs) the or the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Blacktop 3.6L V6 (6.70 secs). This Lamborghini Jarama 3.9 V12 is also faster than the 2017 Dodge Charger SXT AWD 3.7 V6 (6.80 secs) the 2015 Renault Megane Energy TCe 205 GT 1.6 Turbo (6.80 secs) the 2012 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Countrman (6.80 secs) the and the 2010 Alfa-Romeo Brera JTS 3.2 V6 24v (6.80 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Jarama and the 1993 Mercedes E Class 60 AMG 6.0 V8 W124

When talking about the performance of the Lamborghini Jarama on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 12.81 secs @ 106.8 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1993 Mercedes E Class 60 AMG 6.0 V8 W124 (12.80 secs), the 2019 Toyota Supra GR RZ 3.0 Turbo (12.81 secs), and the 2017 BMW X6 xDrive50i 4.4 V8 F16 (12.81 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1970 version of the Lamborghini Jarama 3.9 V12 has a maximum speed of 162mph.

Top Speed of the 1970 Jarama equals the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 5.2 V8 (173 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1970 Lamborghini Jarama 3.9 V12 then how about the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 5.2 V8 (173 mph), the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R 5.2 V8 (173 mph), or the 2014 Porsche Boxster GTS PDK (173 mph).

Related Links:

1970 Jarama Rivals List.

A Brief History of Lamborghini

Car Comparison