For those who find their way here from google as opposed to the DeLorean nerds like me, some exposition:
The DeLorean was criticised by contemporary press for being too slow. This was in large part due to the emissions requirements of the ‘malaise’ era in America in the late 70s/early 80s. For context, the ‘muscle car’ Corvette at the time put out 190bhp, and a Porsche 911 170bhp.
The PRV engine chosen by DeLorean to power his car put out 150-160bhp in other European installations (i.e. competitive), but in the federalised spec that was homologised for US emissions regs (catalyst and lambda system, lower compression, restricted fuelling) only put out 130bhp. When combined with heavy design features like gullwing doors and stainless panels, this added up to a relatively slow car for the segment it was competing in.
Performance figures from the 1981 issue of Car and Driver: (https://www.entermyworld.com/articles/car-and-driver/)
Chevrolette Corvette: 0-60 - 7.2 secs (1/4 mile - 15.4@91mph)
Ferrari 308 GTS: 0-60 - 7.6 secs (1/4 mile - 15.6@89mph)
Porsche 911 SC: 0-60 - 6.3 secs (1/4 mile - 14.7@94mph)
DeLorean: 0-60 - 9.5 secs (1/4 mile - 17.0@79mph)
Performance figures from the 1981 issue of Motor Trend (perhaps worse testing conditions, hence the slower figures all round - https://www.entermyworld.com/cat/articl ... 81e1x1.jpg):
Chevrolette Corvette: 0-60 - 8.25 secs (1/4 mile - 16.5@83mph)
Ferrari Mondial: 0-60 - 8.20 secs (1/4 mile - 16.3@84mph)
Maserati Merak: 0-60 - 9.39 secs (1/4 mile - 16.9@83mph)
Porsche 928: 0-60 - 7.38 secs (1/4 mile - 15.8@86mph)
DeLorean 0-60 - 9.98 secs (1/4 mile - 17.6@77mph)
But how would the DeLorean have compared had it been released in Europe? That is what this thread is about.
The OE/federal spec engine fitted to the DeLorean is termed the B28F. The European version of the engine, fitted to everything from the Renault 30 to the Volvo 760 (the most common donor car) is termed the B28E.
American owners who have timed their cars over the quarter mile have seen times in the mid 17s - so these contemporary road tests seem to be broadly on the money.
How does a full euro spec car compare? What might a 1984 UK spec DeLorean have done a 1/4 mile and 0-60 in, and how would that compare to its European competition at the time? Let’s find out.