DeLorean Cars wrote:The "Euro model" in question would have been Nigel Mills' #5565 which has the shorter final drive, effectively reducing top speed capability, even though the engine is more powerful.
Accidentally clicked on this topic and saw this post. I'd say b*ll*cks to the above frankly, as the standard 5th gear is actually too LONG to be ideal for hitting top speed (5th is good for 173mph at 6500rpm) - so a shorter final drive would actually help the car get into the right part of the rev range to hit top speed in 5th, as opposed to 4th with the standard box (which will take you to 135mph at 6500rpm).
If the euro-spec DeLorean couldn't reach 210km/h (130mph) with 155bhp and the more appropriate final drive, then I suggest the primary reason was a poor drag co-efficient... (the same reason why a stock D won't top 120mph, when a 2002 Mini Cooper with 15bhp less can do 5mph more, despite having a notoriously un-slippery profile by modern standards)