Performance Review: Lexus SC 430 4.3 - [2001]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Lexus SC Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Lexus SC 430 4.3 is the 5 speed / Auto 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 Lexus SC has a 4293cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

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

The SC 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 SC'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 1742 kgs (3840 lbs) this makes the Lexus SC 430 4.3 in the same weight category as the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 6.2 V8 Supercharged or the give or take 50kg.

The Lexus SC shares the same bhp with the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp)

In terms of power the 4293cc 32V V8 engine produces 300 bhp (223 kW) @ 5600 rpm similar to the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp) or the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (300 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 325 lb-ft (440.6 Nm) @ 3400 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 Lexus SC you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2017 Dodge Challenger RT 5.7 V8 (197.2 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Lexus SC.

The Lexus SC has a Power to weight ratio of 172.2 bhp per ton and 186.5 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2001 SC competing with the 2017 Dodge Challenger RT 5.7 V8 (197.2 bhp per ton) or the 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII GSR (197.1 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 Lexus SC generating around 186.5 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 2014 Peugeot 308 GT 2.0 Blue HDI 180 (211.4 lb-ft per ton) or the 1964 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova SS 283 V8 Turbo Fire (211.4 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 6.20 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.4 secs, this made the Lexus SC 430 4.3 as fast as the 2019 Toyota Supra SZ-R 2.0 Turbo (6.20 secs) the 2019 Toyota Supra SZ 2.0 Turbo (6.20 secs) the 2017 Volkswagen-VW Arteon 2.0 TDi SCR 4Motion (6.20 secs) the or the 2014 Peugeot 208 Gti 1.6 Turbo 30th (6.20 secs). This Lexus SC 430 4.3 is also faster than the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (6.30 secs) the 2020 Audi A1 Sportback 40 TFSI S tronic S line (6.30 secs) the 2018 Ford Fiesta ST 1.5 Turbo 5 door (6.30 secs) the and the 2018 Ford Fiesta ST 1.5 Turbo (6.30 secs).

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

When talking about the performance of the Lexus SC on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.83 secs @ 92.3 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 2001 version of the Lexus SC 430 4.3 has a maximum speed of 155mph.

Top Speed of the 2001 SC equals the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2001 Lexus SC 430 4.3 then how about the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph), the 2022 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (166 mph), or the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 5.0 V8 (166 mph).

Related Links:

2001 SC Rivals List.

A Brief History of Lexus

Car Comparison