The Opel Vectra B, produced from 1995 to 2002, represented a significant step forward for Opel in the mid-size segment. The facelifted version, introduced in 1999, brought revised styling, improved safety features, and updated engine options. The 1.8 16V model, producing 125 horsepower, was a popular choice, offering a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vectra B was a key competitor in the European market, battling rivals like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. This article details the specifications and characteristics of the Opel Vectra B (facelift 1999) 1.8 16V.
Opel Vectra B (Facelift 1999) 1.8 16V: An Overview
The Vectra B facelift aimed to address criticisms of the original B-series, focusing on improving perceived quality and modernizing the vehicle’s appearance. The 1.8 16V variant was positioned as a mainstream offering, appealing to buyers seeking a practical and reliable family sedan. It featured a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission as standard, providing a responsive driving experience. The facelift included subtle but noticeable changes to the front and rear fascias, interior trim, and available equipment.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra B 1.8 16V is the Z18XE engine, an inline four-cylinder powerplant displacing 1796 cubic centimeters (109.6 cubic inches). This engine produces 125 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 170 Newton-meters (125.39 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3800 rpm. The engine utilizes multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its relatively high specific output of 69.6 horsepower per liter. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 10.5 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 10 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 208 km/h (129.25 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 10.8 kg/Hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 7.9 kg/Nm indicate a reasonably efficient powertrain for its time.
Design & Features
The Opel Vectra B facelift was exclusively offered as a four-door sedan. Its design, while conservative by modern standards, was considered contemporary for the late 1990s and early 2000s. The facelift brought a revised front grille, headlights, and bumper, giving the car a more refined appearance. Inside, the cabin prioritized practicality and comfort. The interior offered seating for five passengers and a trunk capacity ranging from 500 liters (17.66 cubic feet) with the rear seats up to 1240 liters (43.79 cubic feet) with them folded down. Safety features included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which was becoming increasingly common on vehicles in this class. Hydraulic power steering provided ease of maneuverability. The vehicle’s drag coefficient of 0.30 contributed to its aerodynamic efficiency.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra B (facelift 1999) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8 16V (125 Hp) |
| Start of production | July, 2000 |
| End of production | February, 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11 l/100 km (21.4 US mpg, 25.7 UK mpg, 9.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg, 47.1 UK mpg, 16.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.8 l/100 km (30.2 US mpg, 36.2 UK mpg, 12.8 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed | 208 km/h (129.25 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 125 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 69.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 170 Nm @ 3800 rpm (125.39 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z18XE |
| Engine displacement | 1796 cm3 (109.6 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 80.5 mm (3.17 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.2 mm (3.47 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.25 l (4.49 US qt | 3.74 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.3 l (7.71 US qt | 6.42 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1345 kg (2965.22 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1805 kg (3979.34 lbs.) |
| Max load | 460 kg (1014.13 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 500 l (17.66 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1240 l (43.79 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4495 mm (176.97 in.) |
| Width | 1707 mm (67.2 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1841 mm (72.48 in.) |
| Height | 1425 mm (56.1 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2637 mm (103.82 in.) |
| Front track | 1484 mm (58.43 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1473 mm (57.99 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.30 |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 15 |
The Opel Vectra B (facelift 1999) 1.8 16V, while not a performance icon, offered a solid and reliable package for European drivers. Its blend of practicality, reasonable performance, and improved safety features made it a competitive choice in the crowded mid-size sedan segment.
