Volkswagen Derby 86C 1.3 (60 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 3.8 / 5
Performance 2.5 / 5
Comfort 2.8 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Volkswagen Derby:

Volkswagen Derby was the name first given by German automaker Volkswagen for the commercialization of the booted saloon version of its Volkswagen Polo Mk1 supermini, between 1977 and 1981 in Europe. Later, the Derby name was used by the Mexican Volkswagen subsidiary for the Polo Classic Mk3 saloon on its domestic market in the mid-1990s.
With 72,412 sold in 1977 alone the car was initially popular, outselling the Polo sister model in that year, but sales quickly tailed off in subsequent years....(Read more on Wikipedia)

86C Overview:

Volkswagen Derby (86C). With 95 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.6 l/100km). Weighing only 735 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 13 s). The top speed reaches 155 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Volkswagen Derby 86C was produced before the establishment of Euro NCAP testing. Safety standards of the era were significantly different, focusing on basic structural integrity rather than modern crash test ratings.

1.3 (60 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

A good balance between the lower-powered options and the 75 Hp variant, the 60 Hp 1.3-liter offers decent acceleration (13 seconds) for everyday driving.

Fuel Economy

Expected to deliver a good compromise between performance and fuel economy, making it a practical choice for varied driving conditions.

Best Use Case: Mixed City/Suburban

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Economical to run (especially lower-powered engines)
  • • Compact and easy to maneuver in city traffic
  • • Simple, robust mechanicals for good reliability
  • • Practical sedan body style for its size
  • • Affordable to purchase and maintain

Cons:

  • • Limited performance, especially with smaller engines
  • • Basic interior comfort and features
  • • Outdated safety features by modern standards
  • • Loud cabin at higher speeds
  • • Rear suspension dependent spring suspension (less refined)

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(86: 1977 - 1981).

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Derby
Generation:86C
Modification (Engine):1.3 (60 Hp)
Start of production:1981
End of production:1984
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:60 Hp @ 5600 rpm.
Power per litre:47.2 Hp/l
Torque:95 Nm @ 3500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:HH [Same engine] More details about the engine HH
Engine displacement:1272
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Carburettor
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Compression ratio:8.2:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:9.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.1 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:13 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:13 sec
Maximum speed:155 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:12.3 kg/Hp, 81.6 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.7 kg/Nm, 129.3 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:12.4 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:735
Max. weight:1150
Max. roof load:50 kg
Max load:415
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:445 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):650 kg
Permitted trailer load without brakes:390 kg
Size:
Length:3975 mm mm [61mm more]
Width:1580 mm mm [23mm more]
Height:1355 mm mm [4mm more]
Wheelbase:2335 mm mm [6mm more]
Front track:1306 mm
Rear (Back) track:1332 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):118 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Wheel rims sizeFront wheel rims: 4.5J x 13
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson
Rear suspensionTorsion

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