The Tofas Kartal 1.6, producing 84 horsepower, was a significant variant of the Kartal model produced between 1986 and 1995. The Kartal, meaning “eagle” in Turkish, was a popular and affordable family vehicle primarily aimed at the Turkish domestic market. It represented a collaboration between the Turkish automotive manufacturer Tofas and Fiat, leveraging Fiat technology and design within a uniquely Turkish context. This 1.6-liter version occupied a middle ground in the Kartal lineup, offering a balance between performance and economy, appealing to buyers seeking more power than the base models but without the expense of potential future, higher-specification trims. The Kartal was based on the Fiat 131 platform, a design known for its robustness and simplicity.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Tofas |
| Model | Kartal |
| Generation | Kartal |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (84 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1986 |
| End of production | 1995 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 29.8 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 35.8 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 12.7 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h (99.42 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 84 Hp @ 5250 rpm |
| Power per litre | 53 Hp/l |
| Torque | 122 Nm @ 3250 rpm (89.98 lb.-ft. @ 3250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 1585 cm3 (96.72 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 71.5 mm (2.81 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 8.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Kerb Weight | 1060 kg (2336.9 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1550 kg (3417.17 lbs.) |
| Max load | 490 kg (1080.27 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 846 l (29.88 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 4396 mm (173.07 in.) |
| Width | 1642 mm (64.65 in.) |
| Height | 1496 mm (58.9 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2490 mm (98.03 in.) |
| Front track | 1386 mm (54.57 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1327 mm (52.24 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 185/70 R14 S |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Kartal 1.6 was a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder engine. This engine, derived from Fiat designs, featured a relatively simple architecture. It utilized a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery was managed by a carburetor, a common feature for vehicles of this era and price point. The engine code is not widely documented, but it shares significant similarities with Fiat 131-based engines. The 84 horsepower output at 5250 rpm and 122 Nm (89.98 lb-ft) of torque at 3250 rpm were respectable for its time and displacement. The engine was mounted longitudinally in the front of the vehicle, driving the rear wheels. The five-speed manual transmission was a standard feature, providing a reasonable spread of gears for both city driving and highway cruising. The transmission was not known for its particularly short throws or sporty feel, prioritizing durability and ease of use.
Driving Characteristics
The Kartal 1.6 offered a noticeable step up in performance compared to the lower-powered 1.3 and 1.4-liter versions. While not a sports car by any means, the 84 horsepower engine provided adequate acceleration for everyday driving. The 0-60 mph time of around 13.2 seconds and a top speed of 99.42 mph were typical for a vehicle of this class in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The rear-wheel-drive configuration contributed to a balanced feel, although the relatively soft suspension and narrow tires limited cornering grip. The five-speed manual transmission allowed drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band, but the carburetor could sometimes lead to a slight delay in throttle response. Compared to a potential future diesel variant, the 1.6 offered more immediate power delivery but at the cost of fuel economy.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Kartal 1.6 typically came with a fairly basic level of equipment, reflecting its affordability. Standard features included cloth upholstery, a simple dashboard layout with analog gauges, and manual windows and door locks. The interior was functional and durable, designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. Optional extras could include a radio, upgraded seat fabrics, and sometimes even air conditioning, depending on the market and year. The trim level for the 1.6 was generally positioned as a mid-range offering, bridging the gap between the more basic entry-level models and any potential higher-specification versions that may have been offered in later years.
Chassis & Braking
The Kartal’s chassis was based on the Fiat 131 platform, featuring a body-on-frame construction. The front suspension utilized a spring strut setup, while the rear employed a coil spring arrangement. The braking system consisted of disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. ABS (Anti-lock braking system) was included as a safety feature. The suspension was tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, providing a relatively smooth ride on typical Turkish roads. The rear drum brakes were adequate for normal driving conditions but lacked the stopping power of disc brakes, particularly under heavy braking.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Tofas Kartal 1.6 was well-received in the Turkish market as a practical and affordable family vehicle. Critics praised its durability, spacious interior, and relatively low running costs. Compared to the lower-powered Kartal variants, the 1.6 offered a significant improvement in performance, making it more suitable for highway driving and carrying a full load of passengers. However, it wasn’t as fuel-efficient as the smaller-engined models. Against potential competitors, such as locally assembled Renaults and other European imports, the Kartal 1.6 offered a compelling value proposition, combining Italian engineering with Turkish manufacturing expertise.
Legacy
The Tofas Kartal, including the 1.6 variant, holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of many Turkish car enthusiasts. The engine, while simple, proved to be relatively reliable and easy to maintain. Today, well-maintained examples are sought after by collectors and classic car enthusiasts. The Kartal’s robust construction and readily available parts contribute to its continued usability. While not a technologically advanced vehicle by modern standards, the Kartal 1.6 represents a significant chapter in Turkish automotive history, embodying a period of local manufacturing and affordable transportation. The carburetor can require periodic maintenance, and finding specific parts may become increasingly challenging over time, but the overall mechanical simplicity of the vehicle makes it a relatively straightforward classic to own and enjoy.
