Performance Review: Vauxhall-Opel Manta 1.8 GT - [1982]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Vauxhall-Opel Manta Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Vauxhall-Opel Manta 1.8 GT is the 4 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1982. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V and the 1982 Lamborghini Countach LP500S.This particular Vauxhall-Opel Manta 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 Manta 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 Manta's Rear Wheel Drive, Coupe combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1000 kgs (2204 lbs) this makes the Vauxhall-Opel Manta 1.8 GT in the same weight category as the 2014 Abarth 695 Biposto 1.4 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Vauxhall-Opel Manta shares the same bhp with the 2013 Caterham 7 160/165 0.7L Turbo (79 bhp)

In terms of power the 1796cc 8V St4 engine produces 90 bhp (67 kW) @ 5400 rpm similar to the 2013 Caterham 7 160/165 0.7L Turbo (79 bhp) or the 2012 Lexus CT 200h 1.8L (98 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated St4 throws out 105 lb-ft (142.3 Nm) @ 3000 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 Manta you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1983 Vauxhall-Opel Kadett 1.8 GTE (114.4 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Vauxhall-Opel Manta.

The Vauxhall-Opel Manta has a Power to weight ratio of 90.0 bhp per ton and 105.0 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1982 Manta competing with the 1983 Vauxhall-Opel Kadett 1.8 GTE (114.4 bhp per ton) or the 1963 Mercedes SL Class 230SL W113 (114.2 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 Manta generating around 105.0 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 1986 Peugeot 505 2.8 V6 (129.9 lb-ft per ton) or the 1991 Ford Escort RS 2000 4x4 MK5 (129.9 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 11.00 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 11.4 secs, this made the Vauxhall-Opel Manta 1.8 GT as fast as the 2019 Ford Ranger Double Cab High Rider 3.2 TDCI (11.00 secs) the 2011 Dacia Sandero 1.6 16v (11.00 secs) the 1982 Renault 11 GTX (11.00 secs) the or the 1954 Jaguar XK 140 SE (11.00 secs). This Vauxhall-Opel Manta 1.8 GT is also faster than the 2006 Peugeot 207 1.6 16v (11.10 secs) the 1970 Ford Cortina MkIII 2000GT (11.10 secs) the 1968 Peugeot 504 1.8 8v (11.10 secs) the and the 2011 Aston-Martin Cygnet 1.3L Launch Edition (11.20 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Manta and the 2000 Vauxhall-Opel Astra Coupe Turbo

When talking about the performance of the Vauxhall-Opel Manta on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 18.38 secs @ 74.4 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2000 Vauxhall-Opel Astra Coupe Turbo (18.33 secs), the 1980 Mercedes SL Class 500SL V8 R107 (18.33 secs), and the 2010 Peugeot 308 1.6 GTi (18.35 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1982 version of the Vauxhall-Opel Manta 1.8 GT has a maximum speed of 109mph.

Top Speed of the 1982 Manta equals the 2009 KIA Borrego 4.6 V8 AWD (120 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1982 Vauxhall-Opel Manta 1.8 GT then how about the 2009 KIA Borrego 4.6 V8 AWD (120 mph), the 2008 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S (120 mph), or the 2006 Pontiac Solstice Coupe 2.4 16V (120 mph).

Related Links:

1982 Manta Rivals List.

A Brief History of Vauxhall-Opel

Car Comparison