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Opel Manta A 1.2 (60 Hp)
Overall Rating
Opel Manta:
The Opel Manta is a car which was built by German manufacturer Opel in two generations from 1970 to 1988. The Manta was a mildly sporting coupé based on the Ascona family car, competing with cars such as the Ford Capri. The Manta remained rear-wheel drive for both generations and also saw certain competition success. Its name comes from the manta ray. The first generation only has a two-door body style, whilst the second generation added a three-door hatchback alongside the two-door variant.
The Manta A was released in September 1970, two months ahead of the then new Opel Ascona on which it was based. A competitor to the Ford Capri, it was a two-door "three-box" coupé, and featured distinctive round tail lights, quite similar to those on the Opel GT and which in fact were used on the GT in 1973, its final model year. It took its name, and a few minor styling cues, from the Manta Ray concept car , which also famously influenced the 1968 Chevrolet Corvette C3. 498,553 Manta As were built from 1970 until 1975....(Read more on Wikipedia)
A Overview:
Opel Manta (A). With 88 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 865 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 18 s). The top speed reaches 145 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
As a vehicle from the early 1970s, the Opel Manta A predates modern safety standards and Euro NCAP testing. It lacks contemporary active and passive safety features, offering only basic protection by today's measures.
1.2 (60 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The entry-level engine, providing modest power suitable for city driving but feeling underpowered on highways or for spirited driving.
Fuel Economy
Likely the most economical option in the range, though still not outstanding. Best for those prioritizing lower running costs in a classic.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless, attractive coupe styling
- • Engaging rear-wheel-drive handling
- • Robust and relatively simple mechanics
- • Good parts availability for a classic
- • Growing classic car appeal and value
Cons:
- • Lack of modern safety features
- • Fuel economy is poor by modern standards
- • Rust can be a significant issue
- • Basic interior comfort and features
- • Performance of lower-spec engines can be underwhelming
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(A: 1970 - 1975).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Opel |
| Model: | Manta |
| Generation: | A |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.2 (60 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1972 |
| End of production: | 1975 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 60 Hp @ 5400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 50.2 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 88 Nm @ 3000-3800 rpm. |
| 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 |
| Valvetrain: | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity: | 2.75 l |
| Coolant: | 5.1 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 79 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 61 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 18 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 18 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 145 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 14.4 kg/Hp, 69.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9.8 kg/Nm, 101.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 17.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 865 |
| Max. weight: | 1230 |
| Max load: | 365 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 326 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 700 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 46 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 415 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4292 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1626 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1360 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2430 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1331 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1320 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.5 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 | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
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