Opel Kadett E CC 1.8 GSI (115 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.9 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.0 / 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)

E CC Overview:

Opel Kadett (E CC). With 151 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 950 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 9 s). The top speed reaches 203 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.

1.8 GSI (115 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

A strong performer for its time, delivering exciting acceleration and making the Kadett a genuine hot hatch.

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption will be higher due to its performance focus, but still manageable for a sporty car.

Best Use Case: Enthusiast / Highway

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Wide range of engine options from economical diesels to potent GSI hot hatches.
  • • Practical and spacious interior for its class, especially with the CC body style.
  • • Generally robust and reliable for its era, with many parts still available.
  • • Affordable to purchase and maintain, making it a good budget classic.
  • • Good trunk space for a hatchback, offering versatility for families or cargo.

Cons:

  • • Outdated safety features compared to modern cars, lacking advanced driver aids.
  • • Basic interior quality on lower trims, with hard plastics common.
  • • Rust can be a significant issue on older models, requiring careful inspection.
  • • Performance on base engines is very modest, struggling on highways.
  • • Ride comfort can be firm on sportier GSI models, prioritizing handling over plushness.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(D: 1983 - 1984).

General:
Brand:Opel
Model:Kadett
Generation:E CC
Modification (Engine):1.8 GSI (115 Hp)
Start of production:1984
End of production:1986
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:3-5
Engine:
Power:115 Hp @ 5800 rpm.
Power per litre:64 Hp/l
Torque:151 Nm @ 4800 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:18E [Same engine] More details about the engine 18E
Engine displacement:1796
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:3.25 l
Coolant:7.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:84.8 mm mm
Piston Stroke:79.5 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:9 sec
Maximum speed:203 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.3 kg/Hp, 121.1 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.3 kg/Nm, 158.9 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.6 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:950
Max. weight:1435
Max load:485
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1385 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:485 l
Fuel tank capacity:42 l
Size:
Length:3998 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1666 mm mm [30mm more]
Height:1395 mm mm [15mm more]
Wheelbase:2520 mm mm [6mm more]
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 gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]

Behind the wheel of the Opel Kadett. How does it handle on the road?