Performance Review: Vauxhall-Opel Nova 1.6i GTE - [1983]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Vauxhall-Opel Nova Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Vauxhall-Opel Nova 1.6i 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 Nova has a 1598cc 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 Nova 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 Nova'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 820 kgs (1807 lbs) this makes the Vauxhall-Opel Nova 1.6i GTE in the same weight category as the 2011 Radical SR3 SL 2.0 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Vauxhall-Opel Nova shares the same bhp with the 2017 Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCi ST-Line 120 (118 bhp)

In terms of power the 1598cc 8V St4 engine produces 100 bhp (74 kW) @ 5600 rpm similar to the 2017 Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCi ST-Line 120 (118 bhp) or the 2013 Caterham 7 160/165 0.7L Turbo (79 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated St4 throws out 99 lb-ft (134.2 Nm) @ 3400 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2013 Caterham 7 160/165 0.7L Turbo (79 lb-ft) or the 2012 Mini Cooper Paceman (118 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

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

The 2015 Mazda MX5 2.0i Roadster Coupe (146.9 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Vauxhall-Opel Nova.

The Vauxhall-Opel Nova has a Power to weight ratio of 121.9 bhp per ton and 120.7 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1983 Nova competing with the 2015 Mazda MX5 2.0i Roadster Coupe (146.9 bhp per ton) or the 1964 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova SS 283 V8 Turbo Fire (146.8 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 Nova generating around 120.7 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 2002 Audi A3 S3 1.8T Quattro (145.7 lb-ft per ton) or the 1996 Porsche Boxster 2.5 Roadster (145.7 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 9.10 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 9.4 secs, this made the Vauxhall-Opel Nova 1.6i GTE as fast as the 2013 Skoda Rapid 1.4 tsi Spaceback (9.10 secs) the 1999 Citroen Saxo 1.6i VTR (9.10 secs) the 1990 Mazda MX5 1.6 (9.10 secs) the or the 1973 Triumph Dolomite Sprint (9.10 secs). This Vauxhall-Opel Nova 1.6i GTE is also faster than the 2007 Toyota Yaris 1.8L TS (9.20 secs) the 1987 Citroen AX GT 1.4 (9.20 secs) the 1985 Pontiac Firebird 5.0L Trans Am (9.20 secs) the and the 1982 Ford Granada 2.8i V6 (9.20 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Nova and the 1989 Lotus Elan SE

When talking about the performance of the Vauxhall-Opel Nova on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 16.38 secs @ 83.5 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1989 Lotus Elan SE (16.31 secs), the 2005 Cadillac STS 4.6 V8 Sport Luxury (16.31 secs), and the 1986 BMW 3 Series M3 E30 (16.34 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1983 version of the Vauxhall-Opel Nova 1.6i GTE has a maximum speed of 117mph.

Top Speed of the 1983 Nova equals the 1993 Bentley Brooklands 4d (128 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1983 Vauxhall-Opel Nova 1.6i GTE then how about the 1993 Bentley Brooklands 4d (128 mph), the 1971 Dodge Dart Demon Sport Coupe 5.5 V8 340 (128 mph), or the 1966 Buick Riviera 6.6l V8 (128 mph).

Related Links:

1983 Nova Rivals List.

A Brief History of Vauxhall-Opel

Car Comparison