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Opel Kadett E Caravan 1.2 (55 Hp)
Overall Rating
Opel Kadett:
The Opel Kadett is a small family car produced by the German automobile manufacturer Opel from 1936 until 1940 and then from 1962 until 1991 , when it was succeeded by the Opel Astra.
Originally, the Kadett was Opel's smallest model; however, as it grew in size with each generation , the Opel Corsa became GM/Opel's entry-level model.
The first Opel car to carry the Kadett name was presented to the public in December 1936 by Opel's commercial-technical director, Heinrich Nordhoff, who would in later decades become known for his leadership role in building up the Volkswagen company. Production was interrupted in 1940 by World War II....(Read more on Wikipedia)
E Caravan Overview:
Opel Kadett (E Caravan). With 84 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 890 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 17.5 s). The top speed reaches 150 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.2 (55 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Basic performance, best suited for city driving where high speeds are not required, struggling on open roads.
Fuel Economy
Good fuel efficiency for a petrol engine, ideal for urban environments where stop-and-go traffic is common.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and practical interior with large boot capacity
- • Wide range of engine options to suit various needs
- • Good value for money as a used car
- • Generally reliable mechanics for its era
- • Simple and easy to maintain
Cons:
- • Dated safety features by modern standards
- • Prone to rust, especially in older models
- • Basic interior quality on lower trims
- • Some engines are underpowered for highway use
- • Carburettor engines can be less efficient and require more tuning
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(D: 1983 - 1984).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Opel |
| Model: | Kadett |
| Generation: | E Caravan |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.2 (55 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1984 |
| End of production: | 1986 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 55 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 46 Hp/l [230mm more] |
| Torque: | 84 Nm @ 3600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 12SC, 12ST More details about the engine 12SC, 12ST |
| Engine displacement: | 1196 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity: | 2.75 l |
| Coolant: | 5.7 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 79 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 61 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 17.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 17.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 150 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 16.2 kg/Hp, 61.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 10.6 kg/Nm, 94.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 16.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 890 |
| Max. weight: | 1420 |
| Max load: | 530 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1800 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 565 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4228 mm mm [230mm more] |
| Width: | 1666 mm mm [30mm more] |
| Height: | 1430 mm mm [50mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2520 mm mm [6mm more] |
| Front track: | 1400 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1406 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.5 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.] |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Opel Kadett!