Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Opel Kadett C 1.2 S (60 Hp) Automatic
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)
C Overview:
Opel Kadett (C). With 90 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 785 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 17.5 s). The top speed reaches 142 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 Kadett C was produced before the establishment of Euro NCAP, and as such, no official crash test ratings are available. Safety features were rudimentary by modern standards, typical for vehicles of its era.
1.2 S (60 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
While offering the higher 60 Hp output, the automatic transmission dulls the 'S' model's potential, resulting in less spirited acceleration.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is higher than the manual 1.2 S, typical for automatic variants of this era, diminishing some of its efficiency.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Simple, robust mechanicals for easy maintenance
- • Engaging rear-wheel-drive handling characteristics
- • Classic styling with strong enthusiast following
- • Relatively good parts availability for a classic Opel
- • Versatile range of body styles (sedan, coupe, wagon)
Cons:
- • Basic safety features by modern standards
- • Prone to rust, especially in older models
- • Limited power in lower-spec engines for modern traffic
- • Interior comfort and features are rudimentary
- • Fuel economy is not competitive with modern vehicles
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(B Coupe: 1965 - 1973).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Opel |
| Model: | Kadett |
| Generation: | C |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.2 S (60 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1973 |
| End of production: | 1979 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 60 Hp @ 5400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 50.2 Hp/l [58mm less] |
| Torque: | 90 Nm |
| Engine Model/Code: | 12S More details about the engine 12S |
| 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 |
| Engine oil capacity: | 2.8 l |
| Coolant: | 4.7 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 79 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 61 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 17.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 17.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 142 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 13.1 kg/Hp, 76.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.7 kg/Nm, 114.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 16.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 785 |
| Max. weight: | 1205 |
| Max. roof load: | 60 kg |
| Max load: | 420 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 420 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 800 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 43 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 430 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4124 mm mm [58mm less] |
| Width: | 1580 mm mm [7mm more] |
| Height: | 1375 mm mm [30mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2395 mm mm [21mm less] |
| Front track: | 1300 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1299 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 9.2 m [above average] |
| 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 | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Tires size | 155 SR13 |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
Is the Opel Kadett the king of its class? Share your thoughts.