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Opel Rekord E Caravan (facelift 1982) 2.3 D (71 Hp) Automatic
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)
E Caravan (facelift 1982) Overview:
Opel Rekord (E Caravan (facelift 1982)). With 135 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1280 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 25 s). The top speed reaches 148 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.
2.3 D (71 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Performance is very sluggish, with the automatic transmission significantly hindering acceleration.
Fuel Economy
Despite the poor performance, it still offers decent fuel economy for an automatic diesel.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious interior and generous cargo capacity, ideal for families and utility.
- • Comfortable ride quality, especially suited for long journeys.
- • Wide range of engine options to cater to diverse needs and budgets.
- • Robust mechanicals and straightforward engineering for the era.
- • Good value proposition as a practical and dependable estate car.
Cons:
- • Styling became dated towards the end of its production run.
- • Susceptibility to rust, a common issue for cars of this vintage.
- • Some lower-powered engines, particularly diesels, offer very sluggish performance.
- • High fuel consumption on some petrol variants, especially with automatic transmissions.
- • Basic safety features by modern standards, typical for a car from the early 1980s.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E Caravan: 1978 - 1982).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Opel |
| Model: | Rekord |
| Generation: | E Caravan (facelift 1982) |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.3 D (71 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1982 |
| End of production: | 1986 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 71 Hp @ 4400 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 31.4 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 135 Nm @ 2400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 23D [Same engine] More details about the engine 23D |
| Engine displacement: | 2260 |
| 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 |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.5 l |
| Coolant: | 11.5 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 92 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 22:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 25 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 25 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 148 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 18 kg/Hp, 55.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9.5 kg/Nm, 105.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 23.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1280 |
| Max. weight: | 1900 |
| Max load: | 620 |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1000 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 535 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4678 mm mm [58mm more] |
| Width: | 1720 mm mm [6mm less] |
| Height: | 1475 mm mm [5mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2668 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1435 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1432 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 140 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.8 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 | 3 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
Behind the wheel of the Opel Rekord. How does it handle on the road?