Performance Review: Vauxhall-Opel Kadett 1.8 GTE - [1983]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Vauxhall-Opel Kadett Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Vauxhall-Opel Kadett 1.8 GTE is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1983. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1984 Audi Quattro Sport 2.2 T and the 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO.This particular Vauxhall-Opel Kadett has a 1796cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders in a St formation.

Alternative Petrol St4's includes the 2019 Ariel Atom 4 2.0 Turbo

The Kadett shares its Petrol St4 engine configuration with the likes of the 2019 Ariel Atom 4 2.0 Turbo and the 2013 Caterham 7 620 R 2.0 L Supercharged. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Kadett's Front Wheel Drive, Hatchback combination then how about the 2022 Volkswagen-VW Golf R Performance 2.0 Turbo or the 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD 3.5 V6.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1005 kgs (2215 lbs) this makes the Vauxhall-Opel Kadett 1.8 GTE in the same weight category as the 2014 Abarth 695 Biposto 1.4 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Vauxhall-Opel Kadett shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (134 bhp)

In terms of power the 1796cc 8V St4 engine produces 115 bhp (85 kW) @ 5800 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (134 bhp) or the 2017 Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCi ST-Line 120 (118 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated St4 throws out 111 lb-ft (150.4 Nm) @ 4800 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2012 Mini Cooper Paceman (118 lb-ft) or the 2012 Lexus CT 200h 1.8L (105 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Vauxhall-Opel Kadett you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2000 Vauxhall-Opel Vectra 2.5 V6 GSi (139.2 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Vauxhall-Opel Kadett.

The Vauxhall-Opel Kadett has a Power to weight ratio of 114.4 bhp per ton and 110.4 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1983 Kadett competing with the 2000 Vauxhall-Opel Vectra 2.5 V6 GSi (139.2 bhp per ton) or the 1991 Ford Escort RS 2000 4x4 MK5 (139.2 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Vauxhall-Opel Kadett generating around 110.4 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2003 Peugeot 206 RC 2.0 16v (135.4 lb-ft per ton) or the 1982 Talbot Tagora SX 2.7 V6 (135.4 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 8.50 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 8.8 secs, this made the Vauxhall-Opel Kadett 1.8 GTE as fast as the 2012 Land-Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6 (8.50 secs) the 2004 Land-Rover Discovery 3 4.4 V8 (8.50 secs) the 2000 Volkswagen-VW Golf GT TDi 150 (8.50 secs) the or the 1997 Peugeot 306 2.0 XSi (8.50 secs). This Vauxhall-Opel Kadett 1.8 GTE is also faster than the 2012 Jaguar XJ V6 (8.60 secs) the 2006 Land-Rover Range Rover Sport 3.6 TDV8 (8.60 secs) the 2004 Audi A4 1.8T Sport (8.60 secs) the and the 2003 Volkswagen-VW Golf 2.0 FSI (8.60 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Kadett and the 1993 Mercedes E Class 400 W124

When talking about the performance of the Vauxhall-Opel Kadett on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 16.65 secs @ 82.2 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1993 Mercedes E Class 400 W124 (16.58 secs), the 1966 Ford Mustang GT Convertible 289 4.7 V8 (16.59 secs), and the 1996 Alfa-Romeo GTV 3.0 V6 Lusso (16.60 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1983 version of the Vauxhall-Opel Kadett 1.8 GTE has a maximum speed of 116mph.

Top Speed of the 1983 Kadett equals the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (127 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1983 Vauxhall-Opel Kadett 1.8 GTE then how about the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (127 mph), the 2011 Abarth 500C 1.4 Turbo (127 mph), or the 2011 Lotus Elise Club Racer (127 mph).

Related Links:

1983 Kadett Rivals List.

A Brief History of Vauxhall-Opel

Car Comparison