De Tomaso Guara

De Tomaso Guara: Which Version to Buy and Why

The De Tomaso Guara catalogue contains one generation, produced from 1993 to 2001 as a Coupe, so the buying decision is not between generations or body styles. It is between three entries named exactly 4.0 MT: a 283 hp version and two 304 hp versions. All use a 3,982 cc naturally aspirated Gasoline V-shaped 8-cylinder engine, a 6-speed Manual gearbox, and RWD.

The De Tomaso Guara catalogue contains one generation, produced from 1993 to 2001 as a Coupe, so the buying decision is not between generations or body styles. It is between three entries named exactly 4.0 MT: a 283 hp version and two 304 hp versions. All use a 3,982 cc naturally aspirated Gasoline V-shaped 8-cylinder engine, a 6-speed Manual gearbox, and RWD. The 304 hp cars offer 21 hp and 29 Nm more than the 283 hp version, while the principal recorded distinction between the two 304 hp entries is fuel-tank capacity.

Generation comparison

The Guara has only 1 generation, covering 1993–2001. This generation is a Coupe and includes three listed versions, all called 4.0 MT. There is no second generation in the supplied data, and no recorded generational change to compare.

Because every version belongs to the same production period and shares the same body type, transmission, and drive system, generation is not a deciding factor. The useful comparison is between the 283 hp 4.0 MT, the 304 hp 4.0 MT with an 80-litre tank, and the 304 hp 4.0 MT with a 94-litre tank.

De Tomaso Guara engine and specs comparison

All three engines have 4 valves per cylinder, a compression ratio of 10, an 89 × 80 bore and stroke, and Distributed injection (multi-point). Engine position is not measured for any version.

On output, the 304 hp 4.0 MT versions are the stronger choices. Their 431 Nm torque rating is 29 Nm above the 402 Nm produced by the 283 hp 4.0 MT, an increase of about 7.2%. Power rises by 21 hp, or about 7.4%, without a change in the recorded 3,982 cc displacement.

Calculated specific output is approximately 71.1 hp per litre for the 283 hp 4.0 MT and 76.3 hp per litre for either 304 hp 4.0 MT. The difference is about 5.3 hp per litre. Both reach peak power at 5,500 rpm and peak torque at 4,500 rpm, so the catalogue numbers distinguish them by output rather than by the recorded peak-engine-speed points.

Performance, top speed, and fuel economy

Either 304 hp 4.0 MT has the clearest performance advantage in the available specifications: both are rated at 270 km/h, which is 10 km/h above the 283 hp version’s 260 km/h. Both also have a measured 0–100 km/h time of 5 seconds. Acceleration for the 283 hp 4.0 MT is not measured, so its sprint performance cannot be compared numerically.

Fuel consumption is not measured in city, highway, or combined use for any of the three versions. Consequently, an mpg comparison cannot be calculated from the supplied data. CO₂ output and emissions class are also not measured for every version.

Dimensions, weight, tank, and wheel sizes

The 283 hp 4.0 MT has a measured kerb weight of 1,200 kg and a gross weight of 1,400 kg. Its calculated weight-to-power figure is about 4.24 kg per hp.

The 304 hp 4.0 MT with the 80-litre tank has a measured kerb weight of 985 kg, while its gross weight is not measured. Its calculated weight-to-power figure is about 3.24 kg per hp. Compared with the 283 hp car, it combines 21 additional hp with a recorded kerb weight that is 215 kg lower. This improves the calculated weight-to-power figure by approximately 1.00 kg per hp.

Kerb weight and gross weight are not measured for the 304 hp 4.0 MT with the 94-litre tank, so no defensible weight-to-power calculation can be made for that entry.

Fuel-tank capacity is 80 litres for the 283 hp 4.0 MT and for one 304 hp 4.0 MT. The other 304 hp 4.0 MT has a 94-litre tank, providing 14 litres more capacity. Because fuel consumption is not measured, this larger tank cannot be converted into a numerical range advantage.

Ground clearance and wheel sizes are not measured for any version. Exterior dimensions are also not measured in the supplied data.

Every version uses Independent, spring suspension at the front and rear. Ventilated disc brakes are specified at both ends for all three entries, so the available chassis specifications do not identify one version as having a different suspension or brake configuration.

Reliability and problems

Reliability records and known-problem data are not measured for any 4.0 MT version. The supplied specifications therefore do not support claims that the 283 hp or either 304 hp version is more reliable. Service costs, component life, repair frequency, and parts prices are likewise not measured, so they should not be used to rank these cars from this catalogue data alone.

Which De Tomaso Guara version should you buy?

For the strongest all-round specification, choose the 4.0 MT (304 hp, 80-litre tank). It delivers 304 hp and 431 Nm, reaches 270 km/h, and has a measured 0–100 km/h time of 5 seconds. Its recorded 985 kg kerb weight also gives it the best calculable weight-to-power figure here at about 3.24 kg per hp.

Choose the 4.0 MT (304 hp, 94-litre tank) if tank capacity is the priority. It matches the other 304 hp entry for power, torque, acceleration, and top speed, while adding 14 litres of fuel capacity. However, its kerb weight is not measured, and the absence of consumption data means the resulting range benefit cannot be quantified.

The 4.0 MT (283 hp) is the least performance-focused option on the recorded figures. It produces 21 hp and 29 Nm less than either 304 hp car, and its 260 km/h top speed is 10 km/h lower. Its advantages cannot be expressed in price or running-cost terms because price and fuel-consumption figures are not provided. It remains the entry to consider only when its individual condition or other information outside this dataset outweighs the measurable specification advantage of the 304 hp versions.

If the decision must be made solely from the supplied numbers, the 304 hp 4.0 MT with the 80-litre tank is the most complete choice, while the 304 hp 4.0 MT with the 94-litre tank is the capacity-led alternative.