The Opel Vectra A (facelift 1992) 1.8 S (90 Hp) represents a significant evolution in Opel’s mid-size offerings. Introduced in August 1992 and continuing through July 1995, this facelifted version of the original Vectra A aimed to refine the model’s aesthetics and address initial criticisms. Positioned as a family sedan, the Vectra A competed with vehicles like the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, and Peugeot 405 in the European market. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding the Vectra A provides insight into Opel’s engineering philosophies and its role as a key player in the European automotive landscape during the early 1990s.
Opel Vectra A (facelift 1992) 1.8 S: An Overview
The Vectra A was Opel’s replacement for the Ascona and Manta models, consolidating the company’s offerings in the mid-size segment. The 1992 facelift brought revised styling, including a more streamlined front end and updated interior trim. The 1.8 S variant, powered by the C18NZ engine, was a popular choice, offering a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. This model was primarily targeted at buyers seeking a comfortable, reliable, and reasonably priced family car.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra A 1.8 S is its 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine, designated the C18NZ. This naturally aspirated engine produces 90 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 145 Nm (106.95 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3000 rpm. The engine utilizes a single-point fuel injection system, a common technology for the era, contributing to improved fuel economy compared to earlier carbureted designs. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 12.5 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 11.9 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 183 km/h (113.71 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 12.3 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 7.6 kg/Nm, indicating a reasonably efficient powertrain for its time.
Design & Features
The Opel Vectra A (facelift 1992) is a four-door sedan with a traditional three-box design. The facelift brought a more contemporary look, with a revised grille, headlights, and bumper. The interior offers seating for five passengers and provides a practical and functional space. Key features for the 1.8 S trim level included hydraulic power steering, ventilated front disc brakes, and drum brakes on the rear wheels. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was available, enhancing safety by preventing wheel lockup during hard braking. The trunk offers a generous 530 liters (18.72 cu. ft.) of space, expandable to 840 liters (29.66 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4432 mm (174.49 in.) in length, 1706 mm (67.17 in.) in width, and 1400 mm (55.12 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2600 mm (102.36 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra A (facelift 1992) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8 S (90 Hp) |
| Start of production | August, 1992 |
| End of production | July, 1995 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg, 27.7 UK mpg, 9.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg, 39.8 UK mpg, 14.1 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 183 km/h (113.71 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 50.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 145 Nm @ 3000 rpm (106.95 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | C18NZ |
| Engine displacement | 1796 cm3 (109.6 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84.8 mm (3.34 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Single-point injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.2 l (7.61 US qt | 6.34 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1109 kg (2444.93 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1630 kg (3593.53 lbs.) |
| Max load | 521 kg (1148.61 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 530 l (18.72 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 840 l (29.66 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 61 l (16.11 US gal | 13.42 UK gal) |
| Length | 4432 mm (174.49 in.) |
| Width | 1706 mm (67.17 in.) |
| Height | 1400 mm (55.12 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm (102.36 in.) |
| Front track | 1420 mm (55.91 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1423 mm (56.02 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE drives front wheels |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
The Opel Vectra A (facelift 1992) 1.8 S, while not a performance icon, represented a solid and dependable choice for European families. Its blend of practicality, reasonable performance, and improving safety features made it a competitive offering in a crowded market segment. The model’s legacy lies in its contribution to Opel’s evolution and its role as a precursor to the more sophisticated Vectra B that followed.
