Performance Review: MG ZR 1.8i VVC 160 - [2001]

Figures & Specs Summary:

MG ZR Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the MG ZR 1.8i VVC 160 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 ZR has a 1796cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders in a St formation.

Alternative Petrol St4's includes the 2019 Ariel Atom 4 2.0 Turbo

The ZR shares its Petrol St4 engine configuration with the likes of the 2019 Ariel Atom 4 2.0 Turbo and the 2013 Caterham 7 620 R 2.0 L Supercharged. If you're looking for other fast 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 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD 3.5 V6.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1090 kgs (2403 lbs) this makes the MG ZR 1.8i VVC 160 in the same weight category as the 2020 Lotus Exige Sport 410 3.5 V6 or the 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 power the 1796cc 16V St4 engine produces 158 bhp (117 kW) @ 7000 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (134 bhp) or the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (148 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated St4 throws out 128 lb-ft (173.5 Nm) @ 4500 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2015 Mazda MX5 2.0i Roadster Coupe (148 lb-ft) or the 2013 Caterham 7 485 2.0L (152 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the MG ZR you can get a better idea of it's 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 and 117.4 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2001 ZR competing with the 1996 Honda Integra 1.8 Type R DC2 (169.8 bhp per ton) or the 2013 Peugeot 208 GTi 1.6 Turbo (169.8 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 ZR generating around 117.4 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 1967 Rover P5 B 3.5 V8 Coupe (142.4 lb-ft per ton) or the 1967 Rover P5 B 3.5 V8 (142.4 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 7.40 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 7.6 secs, this made the MG ZR 1.8i VVC 160 as fast as 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 or the 2012 Volkswagen-VW Beetle 2.0 TSi Cabriolet (7.40 secs). This MG ZR 1.8i VVC 160 is also faster than the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (7.50 secs) the 2019 Ford Focus ST 2.0 EcoBlue Wagon (7.50 secs) the 2017 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTD Variant 2.0 TDi DSG (7.50 secs) the and the 2017 Subaru Forester 2.0 XT Premium (7.50 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the ZR and the 1986 Lamborghini LM002 5.2 V12

When talking about the performance of the MG ZR on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.36 secs @ 89.1 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1986 Lamborghini LM002 5.2 V12 (15.29 secs), the 1953 Alfa-Romeo Disco Volante 1900 Touring Coupe (15.30 secs), and the 2002 Alfa-Romeo 156 GTA 3.2 V6 Sportwagon (15.30 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. 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 2015 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTD 2.0 TDI DSG (142 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2001 MG ZR 1.8i VVC 160 then how about the 2015 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTD 2.0 TDI DSG (142 mph), the 2013 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTD DSG 2.0 Turbo Diesel (142 mph), or the 2013 Seat Leon SC 2.0 TDI FR (142 mph).

Related Links:

2001 ZR Rivals List.

A Brief History of MG

Car Comparison