Performance Review: Vauxhall-Opel Kadett 2.0 16V GSi - [1988]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Vauxhall-Opel Kadett Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Vauxhall-Opel Kadett 2.0 16V GSi is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1988. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1989 Ferrari F40 LM Competizione 2.9 V8 Twin Turbo and the 1989 Dodge Viper 8.0L V10.This particular Vauxhall-Opel Kadett has a 1998cc 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 1007 kgs (2220 lbs) this makes the Vauxhall-Opel Kadett 2.0 16V GSi 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 1998cc 16V St4 engine produces 150 bhp (111 kW) @ 6000 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (134 bhp) or the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (148 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated St4 throws out 144 lb-ft (195.2 Nm) @ 4800 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (162 lb-ft) or the 2016 Ford Fiesta ST 200 1.6 Turbo (159 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 1991 Alpine A610 3.0 V6 (173.9 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 148.9 bhp per ton and 142.9 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1988 Kadett competing with the 1991 Alpine A610 3.0 V6 (173.9 bhp per ton) or the 2001 Honda Integra 2.0i VTEC Type R DC5 (173.6 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 142.9 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 1976 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.0 (167.8 lb-ft per ton) or the 2012 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works (167.6 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 7.60 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 7.9 secs, this made the Vauxhall-Opel Kadett 2.0 16V GSi as fast as the 2013 BMW i3 0.6l Hybrid (7.60 secs) the 2011 Abarth 500C 1.4 Turbo (7.60 secs) the 2011 Fiat Punto Evo Abarth 1.4 Turbo (7.60 secs) the or the 2010 Peugeot 308 1.6 GTi (7.60 secs). This Vauxhall-Opel Kadett 2.0 16V GSi is also faster than the 2010 Citroen DS4 200 1.6 Turbo (7.70 secs) the 2006 Volkswagen-VW Polo 1.8T GTi (7.70 secs) the 2005 Audi Q7 4.2 V8 (7.70 secs) the and the 2005 Mitsubishi Colt CZT 1.5 Turbo (7.70 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Kadett and the 2001 Renault Clio 3.0 V6 255

When talking about the performance of the Vauxhall-Opel Kadett on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.25 secs @ 89.7 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2001 Renault Clio 3.0 V6 255 (15.19 secs), the 1957 Mercedes 300 SL II Roadster W198 (15.19 secs), and the 2005 Volkswagen-VW Golf R32 (15.19 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1988 version of the Vauxhall-Opel Kadett 2.0 16V GSi has a maximum speed of 132mph.

Top Speed of the 1988 Kadett equals the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (143 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1988 Vauxhall-Opel Kadett 2.0 16V GSi then how about the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (143 mph), the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Circuit Edition 1.6 Turbo (143 mph), or the 2020 Alfa-Romeo Giulia 2.2 16v Turbo Diesel (143 mph).

Related Links:

1988 Kadett Rivals List.

A Brief History of Vauxhall-Opel

Car Comparison