Performance Review: Vauxhall-Opel Manta GT/E 1.9 8v - [1974]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Vauxhall-Opel Manta Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Vauxhall-Opel Manta GT/E 1.9 8v is the 4 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1974. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1974 Lamborghini Countach LP400 and the 1974 Lancia Stratos 2.5 V6.This particular Vauxhall-Opel Manta has a 1897cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders in a St formation.

Alternative Petrol St4's includes the 2019 Ariel Atom 4 2.0 Turbo

The Manta shares its Petrol St4 engine configuration with the likes of the 2019 Ariel Atom 4 2.0 Turbo and the 2013 Caterham 7 620 R 2.0 L Supercharged. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Manta's Rear Wheel Drive, Coupe combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 990 kgs (2182 lbs) this makes the Vauxhall-Opel Manta GT/E 1.9 8v in the same weight category as the 2014 Abarth 695 Biposto 1.4 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Vauxhall-Opel Manta shares the same bhp with the 2017 Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCi ST-Line 120 (118 bhp)

In terms of power the 1897cc 8V St4 engine produces 104 bhp (77 kW) @ 4500 rpm similar to the 2017 Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCi ST-Line 120 (118 bhp) or the 2013 Caterham 7 160/165 0.7L Turbo (79 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated St4 throws out 112 lb-ft (151.8 Nm) @ 4200 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2012 Mini Cooper Paceman (118 lb-ft) or the 2012 Lexus CT 200h 1.8L (105 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Vauxhall-Opel Manta you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2004 Seat Ibiza Cupra 1.9 TDI (130.0 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Vauxhall-Opel Manta.

The Vauxhall-Opel Manta has a Power to weight ratio of 105.0 bhp per ton and 113.1 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1974 Manta competing with the 2004 Seat Ibiza Cupra 1.9 TDI (130.0 bhp per ton) or the 1991 Bentley Continental R 6.8 V8 Turbo (130.0 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Vauxhall-Opel Manta generating around 113.1 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1986 BMW 3 Series 325i Sport Manual E30 (138.1 lb-ft per ton) or the 2006 Volvo C70 2.5 T5 Coupe Convertible Sport (137.9 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 10.60 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 11.0 secs, this made the Vauxhall-Opel Manta GT/E 1.9 8v as fast as the 2013 Renault Captur 1.2 Turbo TCe 120 EDC (10.60 secs) the 1971 Bentley Corniche 6.8 V8 Convertible (10.60 secs) the 1969 Ford Capri 2000 GT (10.60 secs) the or the 1968 Vauxhall-Opel GT 1900 (10.60 secs). This Vauxhall-Opel Manta GT/E 1.9 8v is also faster than the 1968 Vauxhall-Opel Viva GT 2.0L (10.70 secs) the 2002 Ford KA Street KA (10.80 secs) the 1984 Talbot Samba Rallye 1.2 (10.80 secs) the and the 1963 Ford Falcon 1st Gen Sports Hardtop 260 V8 4-Speed (10.80 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Manta and the 1992 Peugeot 309 1.9 GTi 16v

When talking about the performance of the Vauxhall-Opel Manta on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 17.46 secs @ 78.4 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1992 Peugeot 309 1.9 GTi 16v (17.40 secs), the 2008 Saab 9-3 2.8t Aero Convertible (17.42 secs), and the 1967 Cadillac Eldorado 7.0l V8 Hardtop Coupe (17.42 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1974 version of the Vauxhall-Opel Manta GT/E 1.9 8v has a maximum speed of 119mph.

Top Speed of the 1974 Manta equals the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (130 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1974 Vauxhall-Opel Manta GT/E 1.9 8v then how about the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (130 mph), the 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range (130 mph), or the 2017 BMW X4 M40i 2.0 Turbo F26 (130 mph).

Related Links:

1974 Manta Rivals List.

A Brief History of Vauxhall-Opel

Car Comparison