The Opel Vectra A, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 1992, represented a significant step forward for Opel in the mid-size segment. Positioned as a direct competitor to the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat, the Vectra A aimed to offer a blend of practicality, comfort, and performance. This generation, produced from 1988 to 1995, was a crucial model for Opel, establishing a new design language and incorporating more advanced technology than its predecessors. The 2.5 V6 automatic variant, produced from 1993-1995, was a flagship model, offering a more premium experience with its smooth power delivery and refined features.
Opel Vectra A (Facelift 1992) 2.5 V6 Automatic
The Vectra A facelift, launched in 1992, brought with it revised styling, improved aerodynamics, and updated engine options. The 2.5 V6 automatic model was a standout, offering a compelling combination of performance and convenience. While the Vectra was primarily a European market vehicle, it was a key player in establishing Opel’s reputation for engineering and build quality. It wasn’t officially sold in the United States, but it represents a significant example of European automotive design and technology of the early 1990s.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra A 2.5 V6 was the C25XE engine, a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 producing 170 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 227 Nm (167.43 lb-ft) of torque at 4200 rpm. This engine was known for its smooth operation and responsive power delivery. Coupled with a four-speed automatic transmission, the Vectra A 2.5 V6 offered brisk acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in approximately 8.4 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h (142.92 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio of 7.3 kg/Hp and torque-to-weight ratio of 5.5 kg/Nm contributed to its lively performance. Fuel consumption was rated at 8.8 liters per 100 kilometers (26.7 US mpg), a respectable figure for a V6 engine of this era.
Design & Features
The Opel Vectra A facelift was a four-door sedan with a relatively conservative, yet modern, design for its time. The facelift brought subtle changes to the front and rear fascias, improving the car’s aerodynamics and giving it a more refined appearance. The interior was designed with practicality and comfort in mind, offering seating for five passengers. Key features included hydraulic power steering and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which were becoming increasingly common on vehicles in this class. The trunk offered a generous 530 liters of space (minimum), expanding to 840 liters with the rear seats folded down, providing ample room for luggage and cargo. The vehicle’s dimensions – 4432 mm in length, 1706 mm in width, and 1400 mm in height – positioned it squarely within the mid-size sedan segment.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra A (facelift 1992) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5 V6 (170 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | March, 1993 |
| End of production | July, 1995 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 26.7 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 32.1 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 11.4 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 230 km/h |
| Maximum speed (mph) | 142.92 mph |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 170 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 227 Nm @ 4200 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 167.43 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | C25XE |
| Engine displacement | 2489 cm3 |
| Engine displacement (cu. in.) | 151.89 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 81.6 mm |
| Cylinder Bore (in.) | 3.21 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 79.6 mm |
| Piston Stroke (in.) | 3.13 in. |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l |
| Engine oil capacity (US qt) | 4.76 US qt |
| Engine oil capacity (UK qt) | 3.96 UK qt |
| Coolant | 7.5 l |
| Coolant (US qt) | 7.93 US qt |
| Coolant (UK qt) | 6.6 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 1245 kg |
| Kerb Weight (lbs.) | 2744.76 lbs. |
| Max. weight | 1765 kg |
| Max. weight (lbs.) | 3891.16 lbs. |
| Max load | 520 kg |
| Max load (lbs.) | 1146.4 lbs. |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 530 l |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum (cu. ft.) | 18.72 cu. ft. |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 840 l |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum (cu. ft.) | 29.66 cu. ft. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 61 l |
| Fuel tank capacity (US gal) | 16.11 US gal |
| Fuel tank capacity (UK gal) | 13.42 UK gal |
| Length | 4432 mm |
| Length (in.) | 174.49 in. |
| Width | 1706 mm |
| Width (in.) | 67.17 in. |
| Height | 1400 mm |
| Height (in.) | 55.12 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 102.36 in. |
| Front track | 1437 mm |
| Front track (in.) | 56.57 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1432 mm |
| Rear (Back) track (in.) | 56.38 in. |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.29 |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
The Opel Vectra A 2.5 V6 Automatic, while not a common sight in the United States, remains a noteworthy example of European automotive engineering from the early 1990s. Its combination of performance, comfort, and practicality made it a popular choice in its target market, and it helped solidify Opel’s position as a major player in the mid-size segment.
