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Opel Manta A 1.6 (68 Hp)
Overall Rating
Opel Manta:
The Opel Manta is a car which was built by German manufacturer Opel in two generations from 1970 to 1988. The Manta was a mildly sporting coupé based on the Ascona family car, competing with cars such as the Ford Capri. The Manta remained rear-wheel drive for both generations and also saw certain competition success. Its name comes from the manta ray. The first generation only has a two-door body style, whilst the second generation added a three-door hatchback alongside the two-door variant.
The Manta A was released in September 1970, two months ahead of the then new Opel Ascona on which it was based. A competitor to the Ford Capri, it was a two-door "three-box" coupé, and featured distinctive round tail lights, quite similar to those on the Opel GT and which in fact were used on the GT in 1973, its final model year. It took its name, and a few minor styling cues, from the Manta Ray concept car , which also famously influenced the 1968 Chevrolet Corvette C3. 498,553 Manta As were built from 1970 until 1975....(Read more on Wikipedia)
A Overview:
Opel Manta (A). With 108 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 930 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 17 s). The top speed reaches 154 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
As a vehicle from the early 1970s, the Opel Manta A predates modern safety standards and Euro NCAP testing. It lacks contemporary active and passive safety features, offering only basic protection by today's measures.
1.6 (68 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A slightly detuned version of the 1.6, offering sufficient power for general use but lacking the zest of higher-output variants.
Fuel Economy
Marginally better fuel economy than the 75 Hp version, making it a reasonable choice for those seeking a balance of power and efficiency.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless, attractive coupe styling
- • Engaging rear-wheel-drive handling
- • Robust and relatively simple mechanics
- • Good parts availability for a classic
- • Growing classic car appeal and value
Cons:
- • Lack of modern safety features
- • Fuel economy is poor by modern standards
- • Rust can be a significant issue
- • Basic interior comfort and features
- • Performance of lower-spec engines can be underwhelming
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Opel |
| Model: | Manta |
| Generation: | A |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.6 (68 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1970 |
| End of production: | 1975 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 68 Hp @ 5200 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 42.9 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 108 Nm @ 3400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 16N |
| Engine displacement: | 1584 |
| 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: | 3.8 l |
| Coolant: | 6.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 85 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 69.8 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 17 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 17 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 154 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 13.7 kg/Hp, 73.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.6 kg/Nm, 116.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 16.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 930 |
| Max. weight: | 1295 |
| Max load: | 365 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 326 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1000 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 46 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 500 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4292 mm mm |
| Width: | 1626 mm mm |
| Height: | 1360 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2430 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1331 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1320 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.5 m |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
Is the Opel Manta your dream ride or just a daily drive? Let's talk!