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Opel Kadett D Caravan 1.2 S (60 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)
D Caravan Overview:
Opel Kadett (D Caravan). With 88 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 875 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 17 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 S (60 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Adequate performance for city driving and light loads. It feels more lively than the base 1.2L but still struggles at higher speeds or with a full load.
Fuel Economy
Offers reasonable fuel consumption for a small petrol engine of its time, a good balance for mixed driving.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional cargo space and practicality for its class
- • Robust and generally reliable engines (especially the diesel)
- • Good fuel economy options available
- • Affordable to purchase and maintain
- • Front-wheel-drive offered good traction and interior space
Cons:
- • Dated safety features by modern standards
- • Basic interior comfort and amenities
- • Performance can be sluggish with smaller engines
- • Susceptible to rust, common for cars of this era
- • Loud cabin noise at higher speeds
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(C Caravan: 1977 - 1979).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Opel |
| Model: | Kadett |
| Generation: | D Caravan |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.2 S (60 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1979 |
| End of production: | 1984 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 60 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 50.2 Hp/l [9mm more] |
| Torque: | 88 Nm @ 3000-3600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 12S, 12ST More details about the engine 12S, 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 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 17 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 150 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 14.6 kg/Hp, 68.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9.9 kg/Nm, 100.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 16.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 875 |
| Max. weight: | 1375 |
| Max load: | 500 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1700 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 535 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4207 mm mm [9mm more] |
| Width: | 1636 mm mm [56mm more] |
| Height: | 1400 mm mm [15mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2514 mm mm [119mm 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.] |
If you could change one thing about the Opel Kadett, what would it be?