Volkswagen Scirocco II (53B) 1.8 16V (129 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.4 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Volkswagen Scirocco:

The Volkswagen Scirocco is a sport compact car manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen in two generations from 1974 to 1992 and a third generation from 2008 until 2018. Production of the third generation ended without a successor. It is a three-door hatchback with a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. The Scirocco derives its name from the Mediterranean wind.
Volkswagen began work on the car during the early 1970s as the replacement for the aging Karmann Ghia coupe, and designated it the Typ 53 internally. Although the platform of the Golf was used to underpin the new Scirocco, almost every part of the car was re-engineered in favour of a new styling which was sleeker and sportier than that of the Golf. The Scirocco debuted at the 1973 Geneva Motor Show....(Read more on Wikipedia)

II (53B) Overview:

Volkswagen Scirocco (II (53B)). With 168 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.3 l/100km). Weighing only 970 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.6 s). The top speed reaches 200 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.8 16V (129 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

A high-performance option, slightly detuned from the 139 Hp version but still offering strong acceleration and a sporty feel.

Fuel Economy

Improved fuel economy compared to the 139 Hp version, making it a slightly more practical performance choice.

Best Use Case: Highway / Enthusiast Driving

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Timeless Giugiaro-designed styling
  • • Engaging driving dynamics, especially with 16V engines
  • • Good build quality for its era
  • • Practicality of a 2+2 coupe with a usable boot
  • • Strong enthusiast following and parts availability

Cons:

  • • Safety features are outdated by modern standards
  • • Rear passenger space is limited
  • • Rust can be an issue on older examples
  • • Some interior plastics can feel dated or brittle
  • • Entry-level engines can feel underpowered

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II (53B): 1985 - 1989).

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Scirocco
Generation:II (53B)
Modification (Engine):1.8 16V (129 Hp)
Start of production:1986
End of production:1992
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Coupe
Seats:5
Doors:3
Engine:
Power:129 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:72.4 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:168 Nm @ 4250 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:PL More details about the engine PL
Engine displacement:1781
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:4 l
Coolant:6.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:81 mm
Piston Stroke:86.4 mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:11.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:7.9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:8.6 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:8.6 sec
Maximum speed:200 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:7.5 kg/Hp, 133 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.8 kg/Nm, 173.2 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.2 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:970
Max. weight:1320
Max load:350
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1195 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:415 l
Fuel tank capacity:55 l
Size:
Length:4050 mm [Same length.]
Width:1645 mm [5mm more]
Height:1280 mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2400 mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1405 mm
Rear (Back) track:1370 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Tires size185/60 R14
Wheel rims size14
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring

Have you ever driven an Volkswagen Scirocco?
How was your experience with it? Share with us: