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Vauxhall Viva HC 1256 (58 Hp)
Overall Rating
Vauxhall Viva:
The Vauxhall Viva is a small family car that was produced by Vauxhall in a succession of three versions between 1963 and 1979. These were designated the HA, HB and HC series.
The Viva was introduced a year after Vauxhall's fellow General Motors company Opel launched the Opel Kadett A. Both cars were a result of the same General Motors project sharing the same floorpan and engine construction. A major difference was the use of metric measurements for the Opel and Imperial units for the Vauxhall. The cars are visually similar, however few components are interchangeable. A van version was also produced, as the Bedford HA. In the UK the Viva's principal competitors at the time of its launch included the well-established Ford Anglia and Morris Minor....(Read more on Wikipedia)
HC Overview:
Vauxhall Viva (HC). With 85 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 879 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Vauxhall Viva HC was produced before modern safety standards and crash testing protocols like Euro NCAP were established. Safety features were rudimentary by today's standards, focusing on basic structural integrity and seatbelts.
1256 (58 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A modest performer, suitable for city driving and gentle cruising. Acceleration is leisurely, typical for a base model of its era.
Fuel Economy
Reasonable fuel economy for its time, though not exceptional by modern standards. Best for light-footed drivers.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Simple, robust mechanicals for easy maintenance.
- • Spacious interior for its class.
- • Rear-wheel-drive offers engaging driving dynamics for some.
- • Wide range of engine options, from economical to relatively powerful.
- • Classic British car appeal for enthusiasts.
Cons:
- • Prone to rust, especially in older models.
- • Basic safety features by modern standards.
- • Fuel economy is poor compared to modern vehicles.
- • Lack of modern amenities and refinement.
- • Performance of smaller engines can be underwhelming.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(HC: 1970 - 1972).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Vauxhall |
| Model: | Viva |
| Generation: | HC |
| Modification (Engine): | 1256 (58 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1971 |
| End of production: | 1975 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2-4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 58 Hp @ 5500 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 46.2 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 85 Nm @ 3400 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 1256 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 2.8 l |
| Coolant: | 5.8 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 61 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 14.1 kg/Hp, 71 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9.6 kg/Nm, 104 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 817-941 |
| Max. weight: | 1243-1445 |
| Max load: | 426-504 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 346/566 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 36 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4138 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1643 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1348 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2461 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1306 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1308 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 127 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 9.62 m [above average] |
| 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 |
Does the Vauxhall Viva live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!