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Vauxhall Cavalier Mk III 1.6 (82 Hp)
Overall Rating
Vauxhall Cavalier:
The Vauxhall Cavalier is a large family car that was sold primarily in the United Kingdom by Vauxhall from 1975 to 1995. It was based on a succession of Opel designs throughout its production life, during which it was built in three incarnations. The first generation of Cavalier, launched in 1975 and produced until 1981, was Vauxhall's version of the General Motors 'U-Car' — essentially an Opel Ascona B/ Opel Manta with a few minor visual differences.
The second generation of Cavalier, launched in 1981 and produced until 1988, was launched simultaneously with the identical new generation of Opel Ascona, which was sold across the world in various guises on the GM "J-Body platform". The third and final generation of Cavalier, launched in 1988 and produced until 1995, was a rebadged Opel Vectra A with the same production span. Cavaliers for the UK market were predominantly built at Vauxhall's Luton plant, but were also built alongside their Ascona/Vectra sister models at Opel plants in Continental Europe....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Mk III Overview:
Vauxhall Cavalier (Mk III). With 130 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.9 l/100km). Weighing only 1020 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 14 s). The top speed reaches 178 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.
1.6 (82 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Sufficient for daily driving, but lacks punch for spirited motoring or heavy loads.
Fuel Economy
Good all-round fuel economy for a petrol engine of its size and era.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent reliability and durability, a hallmark of the model
- • Spacious and practical interior, ideal for families
- • Wide range of engine choices, from economical to high-performance
- • Comfortable ride quality, especially on longer journeys
- • Affordable to buy and maintain, offering great value
- • Good handling for a family car, particularly in sportier trims
Cons:
- • Basic safety features by modern standards, predating advanced systems
- • Entry-level engines can be very slow and uninspiring
- • Interior design is dated and functional rather than luxurious
- • Prone to rust in older examples, especially around wheel arches and sills
- • Lack of modern amenities and technology compared to contemporary cars
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Mk II CC: 1987 - 1988).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Vauxhall |
| Model: | Cavalier |
| Generation: | Mk III |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.6 (82 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1988 |
| End of production: | 1992 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 82 Hp @ 5200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 51.3 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| Torque: | 130 Nm @ 2600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 16SV More details about the engine 16SV |
| Engine displacement: | 1598 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.5 l |
| Coolant: | 5.8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 79 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 81.5 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 8.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 6.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 14 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 14 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 178 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.4 kg/Hp, 80.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.8 kg/Nm, 127.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 13.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1020 |
| Max. weight: | 1550 |
| Max load: | 530 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 840 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 530 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 61 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4432 mm |
| Width: | 1706 mm |
| Height: | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2600 mm |
| Front track: | 1426 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1423 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Does the Vauxhall Cavalier live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!