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Vauxhall Magnum Estate 1800 (78 Hp)
Overall Rating
Vauxhall Magnum:
The Vauxhall Magnum is a car which was manufactured by Vauxhall from 1973 to 1978. First seen at the London Motor Show in October 1973, the Magnum was an HC Viva with a larger engine, more luxurious interior, higher trim level and four rather than two headlights. It shared its suspension and drive train with the larger-engined variants of the Vauxhall Viva and Firenza.
The smaller-engined version used the 1800 cc Slant-Four engine, and a twin-dial instrument panel, while the more powerful version used the 2279 cc Slant-Four and had a seven-dial instrument panel. Both were available in 2- and 4-door versions, a 3-door fastback estate and a coupé. All had "Rostyle" wheels. Confusingly, it was also possible to buy certain Viva models with the larger engines, but with vinyl interior trim. The continuing lack of coherency of the model range during that period was one of Vauxhall's main marketing problems. Late in the model's life there was a mild "upgrade" which saw the 2300 switch from twin to single carb with a drop of 2 hp to 108 hp, although the 1800 jumped from 77 hp to 88 hp which cut the 0–60 mph time by 3s to 12. 5s, and raised the top speed to 100 mph from 93 mph previously....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Estate Overview:
Vauxhall Magnum (Estate). With 131 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1022 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
As a vehicle from the 1970s, the Vauxhall Magnum Estate predates modern Euro NCAP testing and lacks contemporary safety features like airbags, ABS, or advanced driver-assistance systems. Safety standards of the era were significantly different.
1800 (78 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The entry-level 1800cc engine provides modest power, suitable for relaxed driving and urban environments, but can feel strained on highways.
Fuel Economy
Likely offers marginally better fuel economy than the 89 Hp version, but still within the range expected for a 1970s family car.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Practical and spacious estate body style.
- • Robust and relatively simple mechanicals for easy maintenance.
- • Rear-wheel drive offers engaging driving dynamics for a family car.
- • Good classic car value and community support.
Cons:
- • Lacks modern safety features and creature comforts.
- • Fuel economy is poor by contemporary standards.
- • Rust can be a significant issue on unrestored examples.
- • Performance of smaller engines can be underwhelming.
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Vauxhall |
| Model: | Magnum |
| Generation: | Estate |
| Modification (Engine): | 1800 (78 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1973 |
| End of production: | 1977 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 78 Hp @ 5200 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 44.3 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 131 Nm @ 3000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 1759 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Cylinder Bore: | 85.73 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 76.2 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 13.1 kg/Hp, 76.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.8 kg/Nm, 128.2 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1022 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1460 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 750 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 54 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4153 mm mm |
| Width: | 1643 mm mm |
| Height: | 1367 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2461 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1321 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1308 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 144 mm |
| 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 |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
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