1986 Opel Kadett E Cabrio Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Opel Kadett E Cabrio ranges between 930 kg and 1055 kg (2050 to 2326 lbs), depending on the specific trim and equipment. Its maximum permissible weight varies from 1365 kg to 1460 kg (3009 to 3219 lbs). The relatively light curb weight contributes to the car's agile handling and contributes positively to fuel efficiency.

The Opel Kadett E Cabrio offers a practical luggage space of 290 liters (10.2 cubic feet) with all seats in use, which is quite decent for a car in the compact cabriolet segment. When the rear seats are folded down, the luggage capacity increases significantly to 620 liters (21.9 cubic feet), providing ample room for larger items and improving overall utility for daily use or trips.

The Opel Kadett E Cabrio typically comes equipped with tires sized 175/70 R13 or 185/60 R14, depending on the model variant or optional packages. Rim sizes available are 13-inch and 14-inch, which were common for compact sports and cabriolet cars of its time, balancing ride comfort and handling precision effectively.

Yes, the Opel Kadett E Cabrio fits comfortably into a standard garage. With a length of 3998 mm (about 4 meters or 13.1 feet) and width of 1663 mm (about 1.66 meters or 5.45 feet), its compact footprint makes parking and storage in typical residential garages hassle-free. Its height, just under 1.4 meters (about 4.5 feet), also ensures easy indoor clearance, making it suitable for most home garages.

Compared to its predecessor, the Opel Kadett D Cabrio, the Kadett E Cabrio (1986-1993) grew slightly in overall size. The Kadett E is longer, wider, and generally lower, reflecting a more aerodynamic and contemporary design. The increased dimensions offered more interior space and luggage capacity. Weight also increased moderately, aligning with its improved safety features and structural reinforcements. This evolution helped the Kadett E Cabrio provide better driving dynamics and comfort versus the older generation.

When compared to other compact cabriolets from the mid-to-late 1980s, such as the Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet or Ford Escort Cabriolet, the Opel Kadett E Cabrio's dimensions are fairly typical. It offers a slightly shorter length and comparable width but often stands out with its lighter curb weight, thanks to efficient engineering and moderate equipment levels. Luggage capacity is competitive as well, especially with the rear seats folded, making it a practical choice in the compact convertible market segment.

The Opel Kadett E Cabrio comes with 13-inch and 14-inch rim options, paired with tire sizes 175/70 R13 and 185/60 R14 respectively. The 13-inch setup typically favors ride comfort and better absorption of road imperfections, ideal for everyday driving. Meanwhile, the 14-inch option, with lower profile tires, improves handling precision and road grip, enhancing performance dynamics, especially when driven spiritedly or on twisty roads.

The Opel Kadett E Cabrio is designed primarily as a 4-seater convertible, offering two front seats and a rear bench that can comfortably seat two adults or children. While it is compact, the interior space balances passenger comfort with stylish open-top driving. Its relatively low height and sport-oriented design create a snug cockpit feel, but folding rear seats boost luggage versatility without compromising seating capacity for typical four-person trips.

The Opel Kadett E Cabrio stands out as one of the more distinctive and stylish variants of the Kadett lineup, produced from 1986 to 1993. It combined the practicality and solid engineering of the Kadett E platform with the fun and elegance of a convertible body style. It was well-received for its blend of compact size, lightweight chassis, and versatility, serving enthusiasts who wanted both everyday usability and open-air motoring pleasure in a reliable German-engineered package.