Volkswagen Scirocco I (53) 1.6 (75 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.2 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Volkswagen Scirocco:

The Volkswagen Scirocco is a sport compact car manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen in two generations from 1974 to 1992 and a third generation from 2008 until 2018. Production of the third generation ended without a successor. It is a three-door hatchback with a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. The Scirocco derives its name from the Mediterranean wind.
Volkswagen began work on the car during the early 1970s as the replacement for the aging Karmann Ghia coupe, and designated it the Typ 53 internally. Although the platform of the Golf was used to underpin the new Scirocco, almost every part of the car was re-engineered in favour of a new styling which was sleeker and sportier than that of the Golf. The Scirocco debuted at the 1973 Geneva Motor Show....(Read more on Wikipedia)

I (53) Overview:

Volkswagen Scirocco (I (53)). With 119 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 800 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.3 s). The top speed reaches 165 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.6 (75 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

A competent entry-level engine, offering adequate performance for daily driving and light highway use, though not particularly sporty.

Fuel Economy

Reasonable fuel consumption for its era, balancing power with efficiency for a compact coupe.

Best Use Case: Mixed driving / Commuting

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Timeless Giugiaro design
  • • Engaging and nimble handling
  • • Practical hatchback versatility
  • • Good range of efficient engines for its time
  • • Strong classic car appeal

Cons:

  • • Lacks modern safety features
  • • Interior plastics can feel dated
  • • Rust can be an issue on older models
  • • Limited rear passenger space

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III (facelift 2014): June, 2014 - September, 2017).

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Scirocco
Generation:I (53)
Modification (Engine):1.6 (75 Hp)
Start of production:March, 1974
End of production:August, 1977
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Coupe
Seats:4
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:75 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:47.2 Hp/l [371mm less]
Torque:119 Nm @ 3200 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:EM, FN, FP More details about the engine EM, FN, FP
Engine displacement:1588
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
Cylinder Bore:79.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:80 mm mm
Compression ratio:8.2:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:8 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:11.3 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:11.3 sec
Maximum speed:165 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:10.7 kg/Hp, 93.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.7 kg/Nm, 148.8 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:10.7 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:800
Max. weight:1170
Max load:370
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:533 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:347 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):800 kg
Permitted trailer load without brakes:400 kg
Size:
Length:3885 mm mm [371mm less]
Width:1624 mm mm [186mm less]
Height:1309 mm mm [97mm less]
Wheelbase:2400 mm mm [178mm less]
Front track:1390 mm
Rear (Back) track:1350 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):125 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.3 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 size5J x 13
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionTrailing arm

Your first impression of the Volkswagen Scirocco in one word? Go!