Performance Review: Pagani Zonda C12 S 7.3 - [2002]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Pagani Zonda Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Pagani Zonda C12 S 7.3 is the 6 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2002. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2002 Ferrari Enzo 6.0 V12 and the 2003 Mercedes SLR Class McLaren.This particular Pagani Zonda has a 7291cc 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 Zonda 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 Zonda'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 1250 kgs (2755 lbs) this makes the Pagani Zonda C12 S 7.3 in the same weight category as the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line or the give or take 50kg.

The Pagani Zonda shares the same bhp with the 3996 Bentley Continental GT 4.0 V8 Turbo Convertible (542 bhp)

In terms of power the 7291cc 48V V12 engine produces 547 bhp (407 kW) @ 5900 rpm similar to the 3996 Bentley Continental GT 4.0 V8 Turbo Convertible (542 bhp) or the 2023 BMW 3 Series M3 CS 3.0 Twin Turbo G80 (542 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V12 throws out 553 lb-ft (749.7 Nm) @ 4050 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 3996 Bentley Continental GT 4.0 V8 Turbo Convertible (568 lb-ft) or the 2023 Ferrari Roma Spider 3.9 V8 Turbo (561 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

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

The 1969 McLaren M6 GT 5.7 V8 (462.5 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Pagani Zonda.

The Pagani Zonda has a Power to weight ratio of 437.6 bhp per ton and 442.4 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2002 Zonda competing with the 1969 McLaren M6 GT 5.7 V8 (462.5 bhp per ton) or the 2014 McLaren 625C 3.8 V8 Twin Turbo (461.0 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 Pagani Zonda generating around 442.4 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 2005 Pagani Zonda F (467.4 lb-ft per ton) or the 1969 McLaren M6 GT 5.7 V8 (462.5 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 3.70 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 3.8 secs, this made the Pagani Zonda C12 S 7.3 as fast as the 2022 BMW 8 Series M850i xDrive 4.4 V8 Turbo G15 (3.70 secs) the 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (3.70 secs) the 2021 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring 992 (3.70 secs) the or the 2021 Porsche 911 GT3 992 (3.70 secs). This Pagani Zonda C12 S 7.3 is also faster than the 2023 BMW X5 M Competition 4.4 Turbo F95 (3.80 secs) the 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera T 3.0 Turbo PDK 992 (3.80 secs) the 2021 BMW i4 M50 (3.80 secs) the and the 2021 Mercedes SL Class 55 4Matic+ 4.0 V8 Twin Turbo (3.80 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Zonda and the 2020 Lotus Elise Cup 250 1.8 Supercharged

When talking about the performance of the Pagani Zonda on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 10.79 secs @ 126.7 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2020 Lotus Elise Cup 250 1.8 Supercharged (10.75 secs), the 1982 Lamborghini Countach LP500S (10.76 secs), and the 2007 Mercedes C Class 63 AMG (10.76 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2002 version of the Pagani Zonda C12 S 7.3 has a maximum speed of 220mph.

Top Speed of the 2002 Zonda equals the 2000 Ultima GTR 720 (231 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2002 Pagani Zonda C12 S 7.3 then how about the 2000 Ultima GTR 720 (231 mph), the 2017 Zenvo TS1 GT 5.8 V8 10th Anniversary (233 mph), or the 2011 Zenvo ST1 7.0 V8 (233 mph).

Related Links:

2002 Zonda Rivals List.

A Brief History of Pagani

Car Comparison