Opel Kadett D 1.6 D (54 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.8 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.8 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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 96 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 935 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 143 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.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
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.

1.6 D (54 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

This diesel engine offered robust low-end torque for its power output, making it feel more capable than its horsepower suggests, though still not quick.

Fuel Economy

One of the most economical options in the lineup, ideal for long-distance driving where fuel efficiency was a priority.

Best Use Case: Long-distance / Economical Driving

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):1.6 D (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 @ 4600 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:33.8 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:96 Nm @ 2400 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:16D More details about the engine 16D
Engine displacement:1598
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:3.75 l
Coolant:7.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:80 mm mm
Piston Stroke:79.5 mm mm
Compression ratio:23:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:18 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:18 sec
Maximum speed:143 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:17.3 kg/Hp, 57.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:9.7 kg/Nm, 102.7 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:17.1 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:935
Max. weight:1400
Max load:465
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1360 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:490 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:1406 mm
Rear (Back) track:1406 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.5 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]

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