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Opel Diplomat B 5.3 V8 (230 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Opel Diplomat:
The Opel Diplomat is a luxury car manufactured by Opel from 1964 to 1977. Opel's top-ranging models were traditionally the Admiral and Kapitän, introduced in 1938 and 1937 respectively.
In 1964 these models were joined, in the so-called "KAD" range, by the new Opel Diplomat. In most respects the three were badge-engineered versions of the same vehicle.
In February 1964 Opel introduced a new range of flagship models as successors to the Opel Kapitän P-LV of 1959/1963. These KAD models were available with 2. 6-litre and 2. 8-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engines , or a V8-Chevrolet small-block engine 283 teamed with a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission 190 PS. The latter engine was supplanted in the saloon by the 5. 4-litre Chevrolet small-block "327" V8 with 230 PS in October 1966. As the company's range-topping model, the Diplomat was available only with the V-8....(Read more on Wikipedia)
B Overview:
Opel Diplomat (B). With 427 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1690 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.5 s). The top speed reaches 205 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.
The Opel Diplomat B was produced before the establishment of modern crash testing protocols like Euro NCAP. Safety features were rudimentary by today's standards, focusing on basic structural integrity and seatbelts common for its era.
5.3 V8 (230 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 5.3 V8 was the powerhouse option, delivering strong acceleration and effortless cruising. Its 230 Hp provided a truly luxurious and commanding driving experience, especially with the automatic transmission.
Fuel Economy
As expected from a large American-sourced V8 of this period, fuel consumption was substantial, making it a thirsty but rewarding choice for performance enthusiasts.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Luxurious and spacious interior for its time
- • Smooth and powerful engine options, especially the V8
- • Distinctive classic European styling
- • Comfortable ride quality
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption, particularly for the V8
- • Limited availability of parts for restoration
- • Safety features are rudimentary by modern standards
- • Can be prone to rust if not well-maintained
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Opel |
| Model: | Diplomat |
| Generation: | B |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.3 V8 (230 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1969 |
| End of production: | 1978 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 230 Hp @ 4700 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 43 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 427 Nm @ 3000-3200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 54S |
| Engine displacement: | 5354 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.4 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 101.6 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 82.55 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 205 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.3 kg/Hp, 136.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4 kg/Nm, 252.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1690 |
| Max. weight: | 2200 |
| Max load: | 510 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 475 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 80 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4920 mm mm |
| Width: | 1852 mm mm |
| Height: | 1450 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2850 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1510 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1512 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 150 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.8 m |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 3 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
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