The Opel Kadett C City 1.6 S Automatic, produced between 1973 and 1979, represented a significant offering in the compact European car market. Positioned as a slightly more upscale variant within the Kadett C range, the 1.6 S Automatic aimed to provide a blend of practicality, comfort, and reasonable performance. It was a key model in Opel’s lineup during a period of increasing demand for fuel-efficient and affordable transportation. The Kadett C, launched in 1972, was a thoroughly modern design for its time, offering improved space, comfort, and safety compared to its predecessor, the Kadett B. The “City” designation denoted a trim level focused on urban usability and a degree of refinement.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Kadett |
| Generation | Kadett C City |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 S (75 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1973 |
| End of production | 1979 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 23.8 |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 28.5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 155 km/h (96.31 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 75 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 47.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 113 Nm @ 4000 rpm (83.34 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 16S |
| Engine displacement | 1584 cm3 (96.66 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 85 mm (3.35 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 69.8 mm (2.75 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 8.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.8 l (4.02 US qt | 3.34 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.9 l (7.29 US qt | 6.07 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 792 kg (1746.06 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1205 kg (2656.57 lbs.) |
| Max load | 413 kg (910.51 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 410 l (14.48 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 37 l (9.77 US gal | 8.14 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 60 kg (132.28 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1000 kg (2204.62 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 485 kg (1069.24 lbs.) |
| Length | 3895 mm (153.35 in.) |
| Width | 1580 mm (62.2 in.) |
| Height | 1375 mm (54.13 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2395 mm (94.29 in.) |
| Front track | 1300 mm (51.18 in.) |
| Rear track | 1299 mm (51.14 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.2 m (30.18 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 3 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Kadett C City 1.6 S Automatic was the 1584cc (96.66 cubic inch) inline-four cylinder engine, designated the 16S. This engine, while not particularly powerful by modern standards, was a robust and relatively simple design. It featured a two-valve-per-cylinder configuration and utilized a single, downdraft carburetor for fuel delivery. The 8.8:1 compression ratio was a compromise between performance and the fuel quality available at the time. The engine was transversely mounted, a common layout for front-wheel-drive vehicles, contributing to a more compact engine bay and improved space utilization. The automatic transmission was a three-speed unit, offering a degree of convenience but at the expense of some performance and fuel efficiency compared to the available four-speed manual gearbox. This transmission was a typical torque converter automatic of the era, known for its smooth but not particularly quick shifts.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6 S Automatic offered a comfortable, if not exhilarating, driving experience. With 75 horsepower, acceleration was modest, taking approximately 13 seconds to reach 60 mph. The automatic transmission, while convenient, resulted in noticeable power loss compared to the manual versions. Gear ratios were optimized for fuel economy and ease of driving in urban environments. The car felt relatively stable and predictable, but lacked the responsiveness of the more powerful Kadett variants. The automatic transmission tended to “hunt” for gears on inclines, and kickdown for overtaking required a deliberate application of the throttle. Overall, the driving experience was geared towards practicality and ease of use rather than sporty performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Kadett C City 1.6 S Automatic was positioned as a mid-range trim level. Standard equipment typically included cloth upholstery, a basic instrument cluster, and a two-spoke steering wheel. The interior was functional and durable, though not lavishly appointed. Optional extras included a radio, upgraded seat fabrics, and a sunroof. The “S” designation indicated a slightly higher level of trim compared to the base “City” model, often including additional chrome trim and improved interior detailing. The hatchback body style provided good cargo versatility for its size, with a minimum trunk capacity of 410 liters (14.48 cubic feet).
Chassis & Braking
The Kadett C City featured a relatively simple chassis design. It utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and a rigid axle rear suspension. The front suspension provided reasonable handling and ride comfort, while the rear suspension was more basic. Braking was initially equipped with disc brakes on all four wheels, a relatively advanced feature for a car in this class at the time. However, some earlier models may have featured drum brakes on the rear. Steering was of the rack and pinion type, providing precise and responsive control. The car’s relatively light weight (792 kg or 1746 lbs) helped to offset the modest engine power.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Kadett C City 1.6 S Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and affordable family car. However, the automatic transmission was often criticized for its impact on performance and fuel economy. Compared to the manual transmission versions, the automatic offered less driver engagement and slightly worse fuel consumption (9.9 l/100km). The 1.6 S Automatic was positioned between the base 1.0L and 1.2L models and the more powerful 1.6 SR and 2.0E variants. The SR and 2.0E offered significantly more performance but came at a higher price point. The Kadett C faced competition from other European compacts such as the Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf, and Fiat 128.
Legacy
The Opel Kadett C City 1.6 S Automatic, while not a particularly rare or collectible car today, holds a nostalgic appeal for many enthusiasts. The 16S engine, while simple, proved to be relatively reliable and durable. The automatic transmission, however, is sometimes prone to issues with age and requires regular maintenance. Well-maintained examples are still found on the used car market, often appealing to those seeking a classic European hatchback with a degree of comfort and convenience. The Kadett C represents a significant chapter in Opel’s history, marking a transition towards more modern and sophisticated automotive designs.
