Performance Review: Triumph TR3 2.0L Convertible - [1955]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Triumph TR3 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Triumph TR3 2.0L Convertible is the 4 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1955. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1955 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Series 1 and the 1955 Mercedes SL Class 300SL Gullwing W198.This particular Triumph TR3 has a 1994cc 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 TR3 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 TR3'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 904 kgs (1992 lbs) this makes the Triumph TR3 2.0L Convertible in the same weight category as the 2013 Alfa-Romeo 4C 1.8 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Triumph TR3 shares the same bhp with the 2017 Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCi ST-Line 120 (118 bhp)

In terms of power the 1994cc 8V St4 engine produces 100 bhp (74 kW) @ 5000 rpm similar to the 2017 Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCi ST-Line 120 (118 bhp) or the 2013 Caterham 7 160/165 0.7L Turbo (79 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated St4 throws out 117 lb-ft (158.6 Nm) @ 3000 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2013 Renault Captur 1.2 Turbo TCe 120 EDC (140 lb-ft) or the 2012 Mini Cooper Paceman (118 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Triumph TR3 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2009 Mazda MX5 2.0i Roadster Coupe (135.6 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Triumph TR3.

The Triumph TR3 has a Power to weight ratio of 110.6 bhp per ton and 129.4 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1955 TR3 competing with the 2009 Mazda MX5 2.0i Roadster Coupe (135.6 bhp per ton) or the 1990 Alfa-Romeo 33 1.7 Boxer Cloverleaf (135.6 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 TR3 generating around 129.4 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 1957 Jensen 541 R 4.0 12v (154.4 lb-ft per ton) or the 1985 Renault 25 2.5 V6 Turbo (154.4 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 12.50 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 12.9 secs, this made the Triumph TR3 2.0L Convertible as fast as the 1962 Bentley S 3 (12.60 secs) the 1974 Alfa-Romeo Alfasud 1.2 Sprint Ti (12.80 secs) the 1953 Austin-Healey 100 BN1 (12.80 secs) the or the 1949 Jensen Interceptor 4.0 12v Cabriolet (12.90 secs). This Triumph TR3 2.0L Convertible is also faster than the 1962 Bentley S 3 (12.60 secs) the 1974 Alfa-Romeo Alfasud 1.2 Sprint Ti (12.80 secs) the 1953 Austin-Healey 100 BN1 (12.80 secs) the and the 1949 Jensen Interceptor 4.0 12v Cabriolet (12.90 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the TR3 and the 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD

When talking about the performance of the Triumph TR3 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 17.2 secs @ 79.5 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD (17.12 secs), the 1989 Audi 200 2.2T 20v Quattro (17.15 secs), and the 1998 BMW 7 Series 740i E38 Auto (17.16 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1955 version of the Triumph TR3 2.0L Convertible has a maximum speed of 105mph.

Top Speed of the 1955 TR3 equals the 1997 Citroen Saxo 1.6i VTR (116 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1955 Triumph TR3 2.0L Convertible then how about the 1997 Citroen Saxo 1.6i VTR (116 mph), the 1994 Peugeot 106 Rallye (116 mph), or the 1986 Renault 11 1.4 Turbo (116 mph).

Related Links:

1955 TR3 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Triumph

Car Comparison