The Opel Vectra B 1.6i 16V, produced from October 1995 to November 1998, represents a significant evolution in Opel’s mid-size family car lineup. As the successor to the Vectra A, the B-series aimed to offer improved comfort, safety, and refinement. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vectra was a popular choice in Europe as a practical and relatively affordable sedan, competing with models like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. The 1.6i 16V variant, producing 100 horsepower, served as an entry-level option, prioritizing fuel efficiency and everyday usability over outright performance.
Opel Vectra B: A European Family Sedan
The Vectra B marked a departure from its predecessor with a more rounded and aerodynamic design. Opel focused on improving interior space and build quality, addressing criticisms leveled at the Vectra A. The 1.6i 16V model specifically targeted buyers seeking a comfortable and economical vehicle for daily commuting and family transport. It was positioned as a sensible choice within the Vectra range, offering a balance between price and features. The Vectra B was a key model for Opel during a period of significant investment in new technologies and design philosophies.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra B 1.6i 16V is the X16XEL inline four-cylinder engine, displacing 1.6 liters (97.52 cubic inches). This naturally aspirated engine utilizes multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. It produces a maximum power output of 100 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 150 Nm (110.63 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3600 rpm. While not a performance-oriented engine, it provides adequate power for everyday driving. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is 62.6 hp/l.
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 has a maximum speed of 188 km/h (116.82 mph). Fuel economy is a strong point for this variant, with combined fuel consumption rated at 7.2 l/100 km (32.7 US mpg or 39.2 UK mpg). CO2 emissions are 178 g/km. The weight-to-power ratio is 12.8 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 8.5 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Opel Vectra B 1.6i 16V is a four-door sedan with a five-seat configuration. Its exterior design is characterized by smooth lines and a relatively understated appearance, typical of European sedans of the mid-1990s. The interior prioritizes practicality and comfort, with a focus on providing ample space for passengers and luggage. Trunk space ranges from a minimum of 500 liters (17.66 cubic feet) to a maximum of 1240 liters (43.79 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded down.
Safety features for the time included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard equipment. The Vectra B also featured hydraulic power steering and a steering rack and pinion system for responsive handling. The suspension utilizes coil springs on both the front and rear axles. The vehicle rides on 195/65 R15 tires mounted on 6J x 15 inch wheel rims. The drag coefficient of 0.30 contributes to improved fuel efficiency and reduced wind noise. The kerb weight of the vehicle is 1275 kg (2810.89 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1730 kg (3814 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra B |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6i 16V (100 Hp) |
| Start of production | October, 1995 |
| End of production | November, 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.9 l/100 km (23.8 US mpg, 28.5 UK mpg, 10.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg, 49.6 UK mpg, 17.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.2 l/100 km (32.7 US mpg, 39.2 UK mpg, 13.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 178 g/km |
| 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 | 188 km/h (116.82 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 100 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 62.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 150 Nm @ 3600 rpm (110.63 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | X16XEL |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81.5 mm (3.21 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 | 3.25 l (3.43 US qt | 2.86 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.7 l (7.08 US qt | 5.9 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1275 kg (2810.89 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1730 kg (3814 lbs.) |
| Max load | 455 kg (1003.1 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.) |
| Height | 1425 mm (56.1 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2637 mm (103.82 in.) |
| Front track | 1464 mm (57.64 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1467 mm (57.76 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 160 mm (6.3 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 | 6J x 15 |
