Performance Review: Triumph Stag 3.0 V8 Convertible Mk1 - [1970]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Triumph Stag Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Triumph Stag 3.0 V8 Convertible Mk1 is the 4 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 Triumph Stag has a 2997cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

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

The Stag 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 Stag'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 1275 kgs (2810 lbs) this makes the Triumph Stag 3.0 V8 Convertible Mk1 in the same weight category as the 2023 Pagani Utopia 6.0 V12 Twin Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

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

In terms of power the 2997cc 16V V8 engine produces 145 bhp (108 kW) @ 5500 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 V8 throws out 167 lb-ft (226.4 Nm) @ 3500 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (162 lb-ft) or the 2020 Abarth 695 70th Anniversario 1.4 Turbo (184 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

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

The 1981 Datsun 280 ZX Turbo (138.7 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Triumph Stag.

The Triumph Stag has a Power to weight ratio of 113.7 bhp per ton and 130.9 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1970 Stag competing with the 1981 Datsun 280 ZX Turbo (138.7 bhp per ton) or the 2002 Vauxhall-Opel Vectra 3.2 V6 GSi (138.5 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 Triumph Stag generating around 130.9 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 1996 BMW Z3 E36 2.8L Roadster (155.9 lb-ft per ton) or the 2001 Ford Thunderbird 4.0L V8 (155.9 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 11.60 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 12.0 secs, this made the Triumph Stag 3.0 V8 Convertible Mk1 as fast as the 1973 Chevrolet Chevelle-Malibu SS 350 Coupe 2nd Gen (11.60 secs) the 2012 Fiat 500 L TwinAir Turbo (11.70 secs) the 1980 Ford Thunderbird 300 4.9L V8 8th Gen (11.90 secs) the or the 1978 Ford Mustang 2 Cobra 140 2.3 (12.00 secs). This Triumph Stag 3.0 V8 Convertible Mk1 is also faster than the 2012 Fiat 500 L TwinAir Turbo (11.70 secs) the 1980 Ford Thunderbird 300 4.9L V8 8th Gen (11.90 secs) the 1978 Ford Mustang 2 Cobra 140 2.3 (12.00 secs) the and the 1977 Ford Thunderbird 400 6.6L V8 7th Gen (12.00 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Stag and the 1999 BMW 7 Series 750i E38

When talking about the performance of the Triumph Stag on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 16.91 secs @ 80.9 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1999 BMW 7 Series 750i E38 (16.84 secs), the 1988 Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth (16.85 secs), and the 1965 Plymouth Barracuda S 273 (16.85 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1970 version of the Triumph Stag 3.0 V8 Convertible Mk1 has a maximum speed of 115mph.

Top Speed of the 1970 Stag equals the 2013 Skoda Rapid 1.4 tsi Spaceback (126 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1970 Triumph Stag 3.0 V8 Convertible Mk1 then how about the 2013 Skoda Rapid 1.4 tsi Spaceback (126 mph), the , or the 2004 Citroen C2 1.6 VTS 3-5dr (126 mph).

Related Links:

1970 Stag Rivals List.

A Brief History of Triumph

Car Comparison