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Opel Kadett D 1.2 (54 Hp)
Overall Rating
Opel Kadett:
The Opel Kadett is a small family car produced by the German automobile manufacturer Opel from 1936 until 1940 and then from 1962 until 1991 , when it was succeeded by the Opel Astra.
Originally, the Kadett was Opel's smallest model; however, as it grew in size with each generation , the Opel Corsa became GM/Opel's entry-level model.
The first Opel car to carry the Kadett name was presented to the public in December 1936 by Opel's commercial-technical director, Heinrich Nordhoff, who would in later decades become known for his leadership role in building up the Volkswagen company. Production was interrupted in 1940 by World War II....(Read more on Wikipedia)
D Overview:
Opel Kadett (D). With 90 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 840 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 18 s). The top speed reaches 145 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Opel Kadett D was produced before the establishment of Euro NCAP. Safety standards of the early 1980s were significantly different from modern requirements, focusing more on passive safety features like seatbelts and basic crumple zones rather than advanced driver-assistance systems or comprehensive crash testing.
1.2 (54 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Another entry-level petrol option, very similar in performance to the 53 Hp variant. Adequate for city driving but limited on open roads.
Fuel Economy
Offers decent fuel economy for its size, making it a budget-friendly option for those prioritizing running costs over outright performance.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Wide range of engines, including the sporty GTE.
- • Practical and spacious interior for its class.
- • Generally reliable and easy to maintain.
- • Front-wheel drive offered improved handling and interior space.
Cons:
- • Base models were significantly underpowered.
- • Safety features are rudimentary by modern standards.
- • Interior quality was functional rather than premium.
- • Rust was a common issue on older models.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(D: 1981 - 1984).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Opel |
| Model: | Kadett |
| Generation: | D |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.2 (54 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1982 |
| End of production: | 1984 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 54 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 45.2 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 90 Nm @ 2200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 12N More details about the engine 12N |
| Engine displacement: | 1196 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 2.75 l |
| Coolant: | 5.7 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 77.8 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 62.9 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 18 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 18 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 145 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 15.6 kg/Hp, 64.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9.3 kg/Nm, 107.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 17.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 840 |
| Max. weight: | 1340 |
| Max load: | 500 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1360 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 470 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 42 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3998 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1636 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1380 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2514 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1400 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1406 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.7 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
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