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DeLorean DMC-12 (1981 - 1983)

DeLorean · 3 trims

DeLorean DMC-12

The DeLorean DMC-12 (1981 - 1983) is available in 3 trims producing 132 to 145 hp. The fastest trim reaches 209 km/h. The lowest stated fuel consumption is 11.2 l/100 km.

Power
145 hp
0–100
9.6 s
Fuel economy
11.2 l/100 km
Cargo
396 l

DMC-12 Trims

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Trims and engine versions — DeLorean DMC-12
Trim Fuel Power Torque 0–100 Top speed Fuel economy CO2 Select
2.8L V6 3AT (132 HP) Petrol 132 hp 207 Nm — 209 km/h 11.2 l/100 km 266 g/km
2.8L V6 5MT (132 HP) Petrol 132 hp 207 Nm 9.6 s 209 km/h 11.2 l/100 km 266 g/km
2.6L V6 5MT (145 HP) Petrol 145 hp 225 Nm — 209 km/h 11.2 l/100 km 266 g/km

Fuel economy and CO2 follow the stated test cycle. Manufacturer figures; deviations per market and option pack are possible.

Is DeLorean DMC-12 a good choice against other models?

Average across every DeLorean DMC-12 trim, compared with 839 trims of other cars from the 1978–1984 period.

Is DeLorean DMC-12 a good choice against other models?
Measure This model Average Position
Power 136 hp 116 hp
better than 74%
Torque 213 Nm 179 Nm
better than 73%
Top speed 209 km/h 178 km/h
better than 85%
Acceleration 0–100 km/h 9.6 s 12.7 s
better than 78%
Combined consumption 11.2 l/100 km 9.0 l/100 km
better than 14%
CO2 emissions 266 g/km 203 g/km
better than 11%
Cargo volume 396 l 437 l
better than 43%
Unladen weight 1,233 kg 1,175 kg
better than 37%

Percentages show the share of trims from the same period this model beats on that measure. Manufacturer figures.

Comparable models from other brands

Vauxhall Opel Astra Sport Tourer
Vauxhall Opel Astra Sport Tourer 145 hp
Alfa Romeo 146
Alfa Romeo 146 144 hp
Daewoo Leganza
Daewoo Leganza 146 hp
Lancia Zeta
Lancia Zeta 147 hp
Renault 30
Renault 30 143 hp
Nissan 100 NX
Nissan 100 NX 143 hp

Vauxhall Alfa Romeo Daewoo Lancia Renault Nissan

About DeLorean DMC-12

Sure, you know it. The famous Steven Spielberg’s “Back to the Future” trilogy made it to be recognized all around the world. Of course, it was not a home-made time machine, but a sports car manufactured by the DeLorean Motor Company between 1981 and 1983 in Ireland.

Despite its look that gave the impression of a powerful car, it actually lacked power and overall performance. And it was not a cheap car!

The DMC-12 had the famous gullwing doors, borrowed from the Mercedes 300 SL. It was equipped with a rear-mounted engine rated at 130 hp (a 2.85-liter V6) and a torque of 153 lb.-ft. The engine was developed by the Peugeot-Renault-Volvo company, as well as the 5-speed manual transmission.

The DeLorean could sprint from 0 to 97 kph in 8.8 seconds with the manual transmission and in 10.5 seconds with the automatic gearbox. The car’s top speed was rated at 175 km/h. Doesn’t sound like a performant sports car, right?

The first produced models suffered from mechanical issues as well as poor build quality. The units needed hundreds of hours of work before being shipped to the dealers for deliveries. The issues were resolved by 1982.

Upon the DeLorean’s release, its price was around $25,000 – and keep in mind that this was in 1981. An equivalent for 2019 was around $70,000.

How much power does the DeLorean DMC-12 have?

The most powerful DeLorean DMC-12 trim is the 2.6L V6 5MT (145 HP) with 145 hp. The model has 3 trims, starting at 132 hp.

What is the fuel consumption of the DeLorean DMC-12?

The most economical DeLorean DMC-12 trim is the 2.8L V6 3AT (132 HP), with a stated combined consumption of 11.2 l/100 km and 266 g CO2 per km.

How quickly does the DeLorean DMC-12 accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h?

The quickest trim is the 2.8L V6 5MT (132 HP): 0-100 km/h in 9.6 seconds, with a top speed of 209 km/h.

How large is the cargo volume of the DeLorean DMC-12?

The largest stated cargo volume for the DeLorean DMC-12 is 396 litres.