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Opel Rekord D Caravan 2.1 D (60 Hp)
Overall Rating
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 118 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. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 27.5 s). The top speed reaches 132 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.
2.1 D (60 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Extremely modest performance with a very slow 0-100 km/h time of 27.5 seconds, suitable only for relaxed cruising.
Fuel Economy
Good fuel economy for a 70s diesel, achieving 8.2 l/100 km, making it a cost-effective choice for long distances.
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(C: 1966 - 1971).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Opel |
| Model: | Rekord |
| Generation: | D Caravan |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.1 D (60 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1972 |
| End of production: | 1977 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 60 Hp @ 4400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 29 Hp/l [44mm more] |
| Torque: | 118 Nm @ 2500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 21D More details about the engine 21D |
| Engine displacement: | 2068 |
| 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: | 88 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 22:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.2 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 27.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 27.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 132 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 20.9 kg/Hp, 47.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 10.6 kg/Nm, 94 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 26.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1255 |
| Max. weight: | 1825 |
| Max load: | 570 |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1400 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 640 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4594 mm mm [44mm more] |
| Width: | 1715 mm mm [43mm less] |
| Height: | 1440 mm mm [13mm less] |
| 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 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.] |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Opel Rekord rank in your book?