1978 Opel Rekord E Caravan Dimensions, Size & Specs

Production
Model Year:1978
Production Years:1977 - 1982 discontinued in 1982
1470 mm57.9 in4.8 ft
L: 4620 mm181.9 in15.2 ft | W: 1726 mm68.0 in5.7 ft
Length
4620 mm181.9 in15.2 ft
Width
1726 mm68.0 in5.7 ft
Height
1470 mm57.9 in4.8 ft
Trunk Capacity
881 liter31.1 cu ft
Technical Details

Exterior Dimensions

Precise measurements of the 1978 Opel Rekord E Caravan, engineered for optimal performance and comfort

Dimensions
Length:4620 mm181.9 in15.2 ft
Width:1726 mm68.0 in5.7 ft
Height:1470 mm57.9 in4.8 ft
Trunk Capacity:881 liter31.1 cu ft
Weight Specifications
Curb Weight:1145 - 1290 kg2524 - 2844 lbs
Maximal permitted Weight:1765 - 1890 kg3891 - 4167 lbs
Useful Information

About 1978 Opel Rekord E Caravan

The Opel Rekord E Caravan, produced from 1977 to 1982, is a classic station wagon that embodies a perfect mix of practicality and style. Measuring 4620 mm (181.9 inches) in length, 1726 mm (67.9 inches) in width, and 1470 mm (57.9 inches) in height, this vehicle offers ample space for families and cargo alike. Its curb weight ranges between 1145 kg and 1290 kg (2526 to 2844 lbs), depending on configuration, while the maximum permissible weight lies between 1765 kg and 1890 kg (3892 to 4167 lbs), making it a robust choice for its class during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

One of the key highlights of the Rekord E Caravan is its generous luggage capacity of 881 liters (31.1 cubic feet), providing sufficient room for luggage, groceries, or sports gear, essential for family trips or daily errands. As a station wagon, it presents a practical body style with a spacious interior and ease of loading, combined with the classic Opel design language of the era.

During its production span, the Opel Rekord E Caravan was widely appreciated for its balance of size, comfort, and utility. It fits well within the family car segment of its time, offering a competitive footprint compared to similar European wagons. The car's moderate width and height contribute to easy maneuverability and parking while maintaining an interior spaciousness that accommodates passengers comfortably.

In summary, the Opel Rekord E Caravan is an iconic station wagon from the late 1970s that combines dimensions, weight, and capacity optimized for everyday use and family needs. Its sturdy build, practical size, and significant cargo space make it a notable classic in Opel's lineup, catering to those who value reliability and functional design in a vintage automobile.

Exceptional Features

1978 Opel Rekord E Caravan Highlights

Discover the standout features that make the 1978 Opel Rekord E Caravan a leader in its class

Engine Options

The 1978 Opel Rekord E Caravan was equipped with a range of inline-four petrol engines, including 1.7L, 1.9L, and 2.0L options, offering a balance of performance and fuel efficiency.

Body Style

The 'Caravan' version refers to the station wagon body style, providing ample cargo space and practical utility suitable for families and transporting goods.

Rear-Wheel Drive

This model features a rear-wheel-drive layout that contributed to traditional driving dynamics and vehicle handling characteristics typical of the era.

Suspension System

The Opel Rekord E used independent front suspension with coil springs and a rear live axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs, balancing comfort and robustness.

Interior Features

Offered with practical and ergonomic interior fittings, including spacious seating and straightforward dashboard controls, focusing on driver convenience and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

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The Opel Rekord E Caravan, produced between 1977 and 1982, measures 4620 mm (181.9 inches) in length, 1726 mm (67.9 inches) in width, and 1470 mm (57.9 inches) in height. These dimensions provide a balanced size for a station wagon of its era, making it spacious enough for family and cargo use while maintaining maneuverability for city and highway driving.

The curb weight of the Opel Rekord E Caravan ranges from 1145 to 1290 kilograms (2525 to 2844 pounds), depending on the specific configuration and options. The maximum permissible weight for this model is between 1765 and 1890 kilograms (3891 to 4167 pounds), allowing for a considerable payload capacity suitable for passengers and luggage.

The luggage compartment of the Opel Rekord E Caravan offers a generous capacity of 881 liters (31.1 cubic feet). This is quite competitive for station wagons produced in the late 1970s and early 1980s, providing ample space for family trips or carrying bulky items, which made it a practical choice for buyers seeking versatility in cargo volume.

With dimensions of 4620 mm in length (181.9 inches), 1726 mm in width (67.9 inches), and 1470 mm in height (57.9 inches), the Opel Rekord E Caravan fits comfortably within the majority of standard residential garages in Europe and North America. Typical single-car garages usually offer internal widths around 2400 mm (94 inches) and lengths exceeding 4800 mm (189 inches), so parking this station wagon should not pose a problem.

At 1726 mm (67.9 inches) wide, the Opel Rekord E Caravan is moderately wide but still suitable for urban driving. This width allows for comfortable cabin space while maintaining maneuverability on city streets and in parking garages. Though it is wider than many compact cars, drivers accustomed to mid-sized station wagons will find it manageable for parallel parking and navigating tighter spots.

The vehicle height stands at 1470 mm (57.9 inches), providing a good balance between interior headroom and aerodynamic efficiency. This height gives passengers reasonable comfort while seated, especially in the rear cargo area where the station wagon shape can provide additional vertical space. The relatively low height for a wagon also helps reduce wind resistance, contributing to better fuel efficiency and stability at higher speeds.

The Rekord E Caravan followed the Rekord D generation, generally featuring a similar wheelbase but slightly refined exterior dimensions. The Rekord E tended to maintain a similar length and width but offered updated aerodynamic styling and often a marginal reduction or better distribution of curb weight, which ranged near the 1145-1290 kg mark. These changes improved driving dynamics, fuel consumption, and internal space utilization compared to the predecessor.

When compared with contemporaries such as the Ford Granada Wagon or Volkswagen Passat Variant from the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Opel Rekord E Caravan was competitive in terms of exterior size and cargo capacity. Its 4620 mm length and 881-liter luggage volume placed it solidly in the mid-size wagon category, offering ample passenger room and large cargo space while offering a practical weight range for good drivability and fuel efficiency.

The maximum weight capacity, also referred to as Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), for the Opel Rekord E Caravan ranges between 1765 and 1890 kilograms (3891 to 4167 pounds). This capacity includes the curb weight plus passengers, luggage, and any additional equipment. This means the caravan could safely carry multiple passengers and a full load of cargo without surpassing safety limits, enhancing its appeal as a family and utility vehicle.

With a length of 4620 mm (181.9 inches), the Opel Rekord E Caravan occupies a moderate footprint for a station wagon, balancing interior spaciousness with drivability. The length allows for a sizeable cabin and cargo area but demands careful attention in tight parking spots or narrow urban streets. However, the relatively moderate length compared to larger wagons or SUVs of later years means it remains fairly agile for its size category.

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