Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Volkswagen Derby 86C 1.1 (50 Hp)
Overall Rating
Volkswagen Derby:
Volkswagen Derby was the name first given by German automaker Volkswagen for the commercialization of the booted saloon version of its Volkswagen Polo Mk1 supermini, between 1977 and 1981 in Europe. Later, the Derby name was used by the Mexican Volkswagen subsidiary for the Polo Classic Mk3 saloon on its domestic market in the mid-1990s.
With 72,412 sold in 1977 alone the car was initially popular, outselling the Polo sister model in that year, but sales quickly tailed off in subsequent years....(Read more on Wikipedia)
86C Overview:
Volkswagen Derby (86C). With 76 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.2 l/100km). Weighing only 725 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 15.4 s). The top speed reaches 146 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 Volkswagen Derby 86C was produced before the establishment of Euro NCAP testing. Safety standards of the era were significantly different, focusing on basic structural integrity rather than modern crash test ratings.
1.1 (50 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 50 Hp 1.1-liter engine provides a slight step up from the 1.0-liter, with marginally better acceleration (15.4 seconds), suitable for urban environments.
Fuel Economy
Offers very good fuel efficiency, particularly in urban settings, making it an economical choice for drivers prioritizing running costs over outright performance.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Economical to run (especially lower-powered engines)
- • Compact and easy to maneuver in city traffic
- • Simple, robust mechanicals for good reliability
- • Practical sedan body style for its size
- • Affordable to purchase and maintain
Cons:
- • Limited performance, especially with smaller engines
- • Basic interior comfort and features
- • Outdated safety features by modern standards
- • Loud cabin at higher speeds
- • Rear suspension dependent spring suspension (less refined)
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(86: 1977 - 1981).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Derby |
| Generation: | 86C |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.1 (50 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1981 |
| End of production: | 1983 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 50 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 45.7 Hp/l [61mm more] |
| Torque: | 76 Nm @ 3500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | HB More details about the engine HB |
| Engine displacement: | 1093 |
| 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: | 3.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Compression ratio: | 8.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 9.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.1 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 15.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 15.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 146 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 14.5 kg/Hp, 69 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9.5 kg/Nm, 104.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 14.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 725 |
| Max. weight: | 1150 |
| Max. roof load: | 50 kg |
| Max load: | 425 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 445 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 650 kg |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 390 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3975 mm mm [61mm more] |
| Width: | 1580 mm mm [23mm more] |
| Height: | 1355 mm mm [4mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2335 mm mm [6mm more] |
| Front track: | 1306 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1332 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 118 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10 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 | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 4.5J x 13 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
Describe your experience with the Volkswagen Derby using only emojis!