The Class 82 has a top speed of 140 km/h, which was similar to the top speed of the other EMU classes but significantly faster than the railbuses that were in use at the time. During normal operation, 120 km/h was the typical top speed with the average speed being around 45 km/h. The Class 82 was found to be the give better energy efficiency when compared to the Class 81, this is due to the superior GEC Alsthom regenerative braking system being used and gave better acceleration during runs.