2001 MG ZR 1.8i VVC 160 Review and Performance Comparison

MG ZR Performance Review.

Introduction:

The 2001 MG ZR 1.8i VVC 160 is a powered by a Petrol Straight 4. This variant of the MG ZR 1.8i VVC 160 is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out around 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 ZR has a 1796cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant driven by the MG Front Wheel Drive system.

Alternative Petrol Straight 4's include the 1985 Alfa-Romeo Spider Veloce

The ZR shares its Petrol Straight 4 engine configuration with the likes of the 1985 Alfa-Romeo Spider Veloce and the 2019 Ariel Atom 4 2.0 Turbo.If you're looking for other similar performing cars which share the ZR's Front Wheel Drive, Hatchback combination then how about the 2022 Volkswagen-VW Golf R Performance 2.0 Turbo or the earlier 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD 3.5 V6.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1090 kgs (2403 lbs) places the MG ZR 1.8i VVC 160 in a similar weight category as the 2020 Lotus Exige Cup 430 3.5 V6 and the excellent 2020 Lotus Exige Sport 410 3.5 V6, give or take 50kg.

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

In terms of pure power the 1796cc 16 valve, Straight 4 engine produces around 158 bhp (117 kW) @ 7000 rpm which is comparable to the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (134 bhp) and also the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (148 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated Straight 4 throws out 128 lb-ft (173.5 Nm) @ 4500 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2020 Toyota Yaris GR RS (107 lb-ft) or the 2015 Mazda MX5 2.0i Roadster Coupe (148 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If you look at both power or torque of the 2001 MG ZR in comparison with its weight you get a much more accurate idea of its real world performance.

The 1996 Honda Integra 1.8 Type R DC2 (169.8 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the MG ZR.

The MG ZR has a power to weight ratio of 144.9 bhp per ton. Bhp per ton figures of the 2001 ZR 1.8i VVC 160 means you're competing with the 1996 Honda Integra 1.8 Type R DC2 (169.8 bhp per ton) and the equally quick 2012 Lexus LS 600h (169.8 bhp per ton).

Torque to Weight:

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque!. However, torque isn't the whole story, you also need to compare weight as well for more real world comparisons such as torque per ton.

The MG ZR 1.8i VVC 160 generates around 117.4 lb-ft per ton. So if you're looking at what cars perform similarly either on the drag strip or at the traffic lights using torque to weight as a benchmark, then look no further than the 1967 Rover P5 B 3.5 V8 (142.4 lb-ft per ton) or the similarly performing 1969 Datsun 240 Z Coupe (142.4 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

The MG ZR 1.8i VVC 160 can accelerate 0–60mph in 7.40 secs or 0–100km/h (0–62mph) in 7.6 secs. Acceleration rivals to the MG ZR 1.8i VVC 160 include the 2019 Ford Focus ST 2.0 EcoBlue (7.40 secs) or the equally as fast to 60mph 2013 KIA Pro Ceed GT 1.6 Turbo (7.40 secs).

The Straight 4 engine of the MG ZR 1.8i VVC 160 ensures that, ‘on paper’ at least, accelerates slightly faster than the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (7.50 secs) and the 2019 Ford Focus ST 2.0 EcoBlue Wagon (7.50 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the MG ZR 1.8i VVC 160 and the Alfa-Romeo Alfetta GTV 2.6i V8

On a longer format for acceleration comparisons the 2001 MG ZR can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.29 secs with a trap speed around 89.1 mph. Similar performances down the quarter mile drag strip can be found with the the Alfa-Romeo Alfetta GTV 2.6i V8 (15.30 seconds @ 89.0 mph) and a close race between the Ford Fiesta RS Turbo (15.31 seconds @ 88.9 mph) too.

Top Speed:

Some modern performance cars are often artificially restricted particularly when it comes to max speed. 155 mph top speed restrictions are often used as part of the German 'Gentleman's Agreement' for example, so be cautious when using maximum speed figures. The 2001 version of the MG ZR 1.8i VVC 160 has a maximum speed of 131mph.

Top Speed of the 2001 ZR equals the Chevrolet Chevy II Nova SS 396 V8 3spd Manual (130 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what has a similar top end performance to the 2001 MG ZR 1.8i VVC 160 then there's the slightly slower the Chevrolet Chevy II Nova SS 396 V8 3spd Manual (130 mph) or how about the impressive Ford Sierra XR4i 2.8L V6 (130 mph).

— AutoSnout

Figures & Specs Summary:

Related Links:

• 2001 ZR Rivals List.
• 2001 ZR: Full Review and Comparisons.
• A Brief History of MG
• Compare the 2001 MG ZR