Volkswagen Golf I Cabrio GLi 1.6 (110 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.8 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Volkswagen Golf:

The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car/small family car produced by the German automotive manufacturer Volkswagen since 1974, marketed worldwide across eight generations, in various body configurations and under various nameplates – including as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada , and as the Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico. Historically, the Golf is Volkswagen's best-selling model and is among the world's top three best-selling nameplates, with more than 35 million units sold as of 2019....(Read more on Wikipedia)

I Cabrio Overview:

Volkswagen Golf (I Cabrio). With 140 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.2 l/100km). Weighing only 940 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.2 s). The top speed reaches 172 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.

GLi 1.6 (110 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

A surprisingly potent 1.6L, delivering near-GTI levels of performance. Its higher revving nature made it engaging and quick, especially for its displacement.

Fuel Economy

Given its performance focus, fuel economy would be moderate, but acceptable for a sporty variant. The 10.2 sec acceleration is good for the era.

Best Use Case: Mixed / Spirited Driving

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Classic convertible styling
  • • Fun to drive (especially higher trims)
  • • Reliable and robust mechanics
  • • Good parts availability
  • • Strong enthusiast community

Cons:

  • • Safety features are outdated
  • • Limited rear passenger space
  • • Fuel economy not competitive by modern standards
  • • Prone to rust if not maintained
  • • Soft top maintenance

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(VIII: June, 2022 - 2024).

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Golf
Generation:I Cabrio
Modification (Engine):GLi 1.6 (110 Hp)
Start of production:March, 1979
End of production:August, 1982
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Cabriolet
Seats:4
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:110 Hp @ 6100 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:69.3 Hp/l [475mm less]
Torque:140 Nm @ 5000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:EG More details about the engine EG
Engine displacement:1588
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:3.5 l
Coolant:4.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:79.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:80 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:11.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.1 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.2 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.2 sec
Maximum speed:172 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.5 kg/Hp, 117 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.7 kg/Nm, 148.9 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:9.7 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:940
Max. weight:1270
Max load:330
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:220 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1200 kg
Fuel tank capacity:40 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:400 kg
Size:
Length:3815 mm mm [475mm less]
Width:1630 mm mm [159mm less]
Height:1395 mm mm [63mm less]
Wheelbase:2398 mm mm [230mm less]
Front track:1404 mm
Rear (Back) track:1372 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):117 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.3 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Tires size175/70 R13
Wheel rims size5.5J x 13
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionTransverse stabilizer, Trailing arm

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