Holden Calais VP, facelift 1991 3.8 i V6 (175 Hp)


Holden Calais:

The Holden Commodore is a series of automobiles that were sold by now-defunct Australian manufacturer Holden from 1978 until 2020. They were manufactured from 1978 to 2017 in Australia and from 1979 to 1990 in New Zealand, with production of the locally manufactured versions in Australia ending on 20 October 2017.
The first three generations of Holden produced Commodores were based on the Opel designed V-body rear-wheel drive automotive platform, which was the basis of GM's largest European models, but were structurally strengthened, mechanically modified, and, in time, enlarged by Holden for Australian road conditions, production needs, and market demands. The styling of these cars was generally similar to that of the Opel Commodore C, and later, the Opel Omega A/B and their Vauxhall sister models the Vauxhall Carlton and Omega....(Read more on Wikipedia)

VP, facelift 1991 Overview:

Holden Calais (VP, facelift 1991). With 295 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1454 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8 s). The top speed reaches 200 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.

reddit Community Verdict

This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.

Allowed: 75% Neutral: 13% Issues: 13%
rating
4.3 / 5

Based on AI analysis of 16 discussions

Read What Owners Say
👍 POSITIVE
Incredibly reliable and anvil simple to work on. When you eventually spin a bearing at 250k miles you can drop in a dirt cheap 350 and keep rolling.
👍 POSITIVE
Reliable because they are simple technology that had been built for many years, so most of the bugs were worked out. Be aware that American police cars get tremendous abuse during their service. However, the police suspension on these were known for good handling ( if not worn out from said abuse). (I put a lot of miles on a 1978 Caprice, basically the same as the later cars except mine was not f
👍 POSITIVE
I had one of these… spun out on an icy bridge, then I got crushed by an oncoming car and the car that hit me was all f*cked up… so grateful, the car was a tank, saved my life!
👍 POSITIVE
By far one of the most reliable, comfortable, and capable cars ever built. There's a reason police used them all over North America. I had a 1985 Caprice Classic, and got over 300K miles on it,then gave it to my brother. He put another 80k on it, then the timing chain slipped. Cam gear was worn smooth. He replaced the timing gear set the side of the road in the middle of winter, and it started r
👍 POSITIVE
Very reliable, I drove one every day at work . It even got beat on from time to time, lol , and it still ran smoothly.
👍 POSITIVE
We had an 84 Pontiac Parisienne that was super reliable from new. >>likes cars. Does not know anything about how they work
👍 POSITIVE
I actually miss these old crates. If you maintain them, they will last. And easy to work on and you don't have to worry about some electronic fuckery throwing on the Check Wallet light when the weather changes.
👍 POSITIVE
One of the best Chevy”s ever made.
👍 POSITIVE
If you find one with the LT1 engine you will enjoy driving it
👍 POSITIVE
I have a 77 caprice classic. Most parts from 1977 thru 1996 are compatible. They are getting old and there are some things that will wear out on you. But they are rock solid. Mine has never left me stranded. When the original engine (305) got tired. I replaced engine and transmission. 350 and a 350T. Absolutely love it. Won't sell it.


Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Adequate and balanced power output (224 hp) for versatile driving.
  • • Respectable acceleration of 8 sec, suitable for most driving situations.
  • • Rear-wheel drive layout for enhanced handling and balance.
  • • Ventilated disc brakes for reliable cooling and stopping power.
  • • Standard trunk space (443 L) suitable for daily needs.

Cons:

  • • Relatively high fuel consumption: 13.1 L/100 km combined.
  • • Previous generation model; may lack the latest driver-assist technologies.


Specifications:

General:
Brand:Holden
Model:Calais
Generation:VP, facelift 1991
Modification (Engine):3.8 i V6 (175 Hp)
Start of production:1990
End of production:1998
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:175 Hp @ 4800 rpm.
Power per litre:46.2 Hp/l
Torque:295 Nm @ 3200 rpm.
Engine displacement:3791
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:96.52 mm mm
Piston Stroke:86.36 mm mm
Compression ratio:8.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:12.3 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:8 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:8 sec
Maximum speed:200 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.3 kg/Hp, 120.4 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4.9 kg/Nm, 202.9 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:7.6 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1454
Fuel tank capacity:63 l
Size:
Length:4861 mm mm
Width:1794 mm mm
Height:1443 mm mm
Wheelbase:2736 mm mm
Front track:1491 mm
Rear (Back) track:1491 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size205/65 R15 H
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring

Behind the wheel of the Holden Calais. How does it handle on the road?