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Opel Manta B 1.2 S (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)
B Overview:
Opel Manta (B). With 88 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 925 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 19 s). The top speed reaches 147 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.
The Opel Manta B was produced before the establishment of Euro NCAP and therefore has no official safety rating. Safety features are basic by modern standards, typical for vehicles of its era.
1.2 S (60 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Very modest performance, best suited for urban environments where speed is not a priority.
Fuel Economy
Good fuel economy for its time, making it an economical choice for city dwellers.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic classic styling and strong road presence
- • Engaging rear-wheel-drive handling characteristics
- • Wide range of engines catering to various needs, from economy to high performance
- • Robust and relatively simple mechanicals, aiding reliability and maintenance
- • Strong rally heritage, especially with the Manta 400
- • Active and supportive enthusiast community
Cons:
- • Prone to rust, particularly in older models
- • Basic safety features by modern standards
- • Lower-powered engines can feel sluggish outside of urban areas
- • Carbureted engines can be temperamental and require regular tuning
- • Parts availability for specific or unique components can be challenging
- • Interior comfort and refinement are dated compared to modern vehicles
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(A: 1972 - 1975).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Opel |
| Model: | Manta |
| Generation: | B |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.2 S (60 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1975 |
| End of production: | 1979 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 60 Hp @ 5400 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 50.2 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 88 Nm @ 2600-3400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 12S [Same engine] 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: | 19 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 19 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 147 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 15.4 kg/Hp, 64.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 10.5 kg/Nm, 95.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 18.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 925 |
| Max. weight: | 1295 |
| Max load: | 370 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 490 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1000 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 485 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4445 mm mm [153mm more] |
| Width: | 1670 mm mm [44mm more] |
| Height: | 1330 mm mm [30mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2518 mm mm [88mm more] |
| Front track: | 1375 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1375 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.] |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Opel Manta?