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Opel Kadett E 1.2 S (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)
E Overview:
Opel Kadett (E). With 84 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 868 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 17 s). The top speed reaches 155 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Opel Kadett E was produced before the establishment of Euro NCAP in 1997, and as such, it was not officially tested. Safety features are basic by modern standards.
1.2 S (54 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Very basic performance, primarily suited for city driving with a leisurely 0-100 km/h in 17 seconds.
Fuel Economy
Excellent fuel economy at 6.7 l/100 km, making it one of the most economical petrol options.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Wide range of efficient and powerful engines available
- • Practical and spacious interior for its class
- • Aerodynamic design was modern for its time
- • Generally robust and reliable mechanics
- • Excellent value on the used car market
Cons:
- • Interior materials and design are dated by modern standards
- • Basic safety features, lacking modern NCAP ratings
- • Prone to rust, especially in older models
- • Some carburetted engines can be temperamental
- • Ride comfort can be firm on poorer roads
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(D: 1983 - 1984).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Opel |
| Model: | Kadett |
| Generation: | E |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.2 S (54 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1984 |
| End of production: | 1986 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 54 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 45.2 Hp/l [220mm more] |
| Torque: | 84 Nm @ 3600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 12SC, 12ST More details about the engine 12SC, 12ST |
| 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 |
| Engine oil capacity: | 2.75 l |
| Coolant: | 5.7 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 79 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 61 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 7.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 6.7 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 17 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 17 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 155 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 16.1 kg/Hp, 62.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 10.3 kg/Nm, 96.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 16.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 868 |
| Max. weight: | 1365 |
| Max load: | 497 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 890 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 550 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 52 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4218 mm mm [220mm more] |
| Width: | 1658 mm mm [22mm more] |
| Height: | 1400 mm mm [20mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2520 mm mm [6mm more] |
| Front track: | 1400 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1406 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.5 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 | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Opel Kadett!