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Opel Rekord E 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)
E Caravan Overview:
Opel Rekord (E Caravan). With 118 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1270 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. The top speed reaches 135 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
Adequate for its time, this diesel engine prioritizes longevity and fuel economy over outright speed, offering modest acceleration for daily driving.
Fuel Economy
With a combined consumption of 8.1 l/100 km, this was a relatively economical choice for a large estate car in the late 70s, especially for long-distance cruising.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and practical interior, especially the Caravan model
- • Robust and generally reliable mechanicals for its era
- • Wide range of engine options to suit different needs and budgets
- • Comfortable ride quality for long journeys
- • Good value for money as a used classic
Cons:
- • Prone to rust, particularly in older examples
- • Performance can be sluggish with lower-powered engines, especially diesels
- • Fuel economy, while good for some engines, can be high by modern standards
- • Basic safety features compared to contemporary vehicles
- • Automatic transmissions significantly impact performance and economy
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(D Coupe: 1975 - 1977).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Opel |
| Model: | Rekord |
| Generation: | E Caravan |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.1 D (60 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1977 |
| End of production: | 1978 |
| 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 [13mm 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: | 8.1 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 135 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 21.2 kg/Hp, 47.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 10.8 kg/Nm, 92.9 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1270 |
| Max. weight: | 1890 |
| Max load: | 620 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 881 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1250 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 655 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4620 mm mm [13mm more] |
| Width: | 1726 mm mm [2mm less] |
| Height: | 1470 mm mm [90mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2668 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1435 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1412 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.2 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 | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
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