Opel Rekord D Caravan 2.0 D (55 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.9 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 2.5 / 5
Value 3.8 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Opel Rekord:

The Opel Rekord is a large family car which was built in eight generations by the German car manufacturer Opel. Between 1953 and 1986, approximately ten million were sold.
The Series D and E Rekords also spawned derivative versions manufactured by Opel's British sister company Vauxhall and in the case of the Rekord E, GM's Australian arm Holden. In 1986, the Rekord nameplate was replaced by the Opel Omega.
The Rekord name evolved into the main name of the model; at first the name was used in close relationship with the Opel Olympia name, which pre-dated the Rekord but was also reinstated in a separate model in 1967....(Read more on Wikipedia)

D Caravan Overview:

Opel Rekord (D Caravan). With 113 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1255 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. The top speed reaches 130 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.

2.0 D (55 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 2 stars

Performance Verdict

The slowest engine in the lineup, offering very basic propulsion. Acceleration data is missing, but it would be even more leisurely than the 2.1 D.

Fuel Economy

Excellent fuel economy for its time at 8.1 l/100 km, making it the most economical option for those prioritizing running costs over speed.

Best Use Case: Economical utility / Very relaxed cruising

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Robust and reliable mechanicals, typical of 1970s Opel engineering.
  • • Spacious and practical station wagon body, ideal for families or utility.
  • • Relatively simple design, making maintenance and repairs straightforward for enthusiasts.
  • • Classic, understated styling that has aged gracefully.
  • • Good fuel economy for diesel variants for its era.

Cons:

  • • Performance is generally modest across most of the engine lineup, especially the diesels.
  • • Lacks modern safety features, as expected for a car of its vintage.
  • • Fuel consumption for petrol engines can be high by modern standards.
  • • Ride quality can be soft and wallowy compared to contemporary vehicles.
  • • Rust can be a significant issue on unrestored examples.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(D Coupe: 1972 - 1975).

General:
Brand:Opel
Model:Rekord
Generation:D Caravan
Modification (Engine):2.0 D (55 Hp)
Start of production:1974
End of production:1977
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:3-5
Engine:
Power:55 Hp @ 4400 rpm.
Power per litre:27.5 Hp/l
Torque:113 Nm @ 2200 rpm.
Engine displacement:1998
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Precombustion chamber injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Cylinder Bore:86.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:85 mm mm
Compression ratio:22:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:8.1 l/100 km
Maximum speed:130 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:22.8 kg/Hp, 43.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:11.1 kg/Nm, 90 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1255
Max. weight:1825
Max load:570
Fuel tank capacity:70 l
Size:
Length:4594 mm mm [13mm less]
Width:1715 mm mm [13mm less]
Height:1440 mm mm [60mm more]
Wheelbase:2668 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1419 mm
Rear (Back) track:1400 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):130 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.4 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]

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