| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1981 |
| Production Years: | 1981 - 1988 discontinued in 1988 |
The Vauxhall Cavalier Mk II is a mid-size sedan produced between 1981 and 1988, offering a notable blend of practicality and style that defined an important era for the British car market. This generation of the Cavalier was designed to provide family-oriented functionality with refined driving dynamics and a comfortable interior. Measuring approximately 4,350 mm (171.3 inches) in length, it provided ample passenger room and trunk space while maintaining a manageable footprint for urban commuting and highway driving. The width of the vehicle was around 1,680 mm (66.1 inches), facilitating a stable ride and comfortable cabin width without sacrificing maneuverability. With an average height near 1,370 mm (53.9 inches), the Mk II offered a well-balanced and aerodynamic silhouette, typical of sedans from the early to mid-1980s. The Cavalier Mk II was built on a front-engine, front-wheel-drive platform which contributed to its predictable handling and efficient use of interior space. Weighing in between 1,000 to 1,150 kilograms (2,205 - 2,535 pounds) depending on trim and engine options, this vehicle was lightweight compared to many contemporaries, which positively affected fuel economy and performance. It was designed to appeal to families and professionals alike, combining traditional British automotive design with influences from continental Europe. The Mk II generation featured improved quality controls and more modern styling compared to its predecessor, which helped establish the Cavalier as a competitive choice in the mid-size sedan segment throughout the 1980s. Today, the Vauxhall Cavalier Mk II remains a beloved classic, symbolizing the blend of practical size and performance that characterized its production period.
Discover the standout features that make the 1981 Vauxhall Cavalier Mk II a leader in its class
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The Vauxhall Cavalier Mk II sedan, produced from 1981 to 1988, has an overall length of approximately 4,425 mm (174.2 inches), a width of about 1,690 mm (66.5 inches), and a height near 1,350 mm (53.1 inches). These dimensions reflect the typical mid-sized saloon car proportions of the early 1980s, providing a balanced footprint for urban and suburban driving. The length allows for adequate passenger space and trunk capacity, while the width promotes stability and comfortable seating for up to five passengers. The relatively low height enhances the car's aerodynamics and handling.
The Vauxhall Cavalier Mk II features a wheelbase measuring approximately 2,562 mm (100.9 inches). This wheelbase length strikes a compromise between ride comfort and handling agility. A longer wheelbase generally offers a smoother ride by better absorbing road irregularities, and it also typically translates into more legroom inside the cabin for rear-seat passengers. For the Cavalier Mk II, the 2.56-meter wheelbase contributes to comfortable occupancy for front and rear passengers, helping make this vehicle practical for families and commuters alike.
The curb weight of the Vauxhall Cavalier Mk II sedan varies depending on the trim and engine options, but it generally ranges from roughly 1,060 kg to 1,200 kg (2,337 to 2,645 pounds). This relatively lightweight construction for a mid-sized sedan contributes to fuel efficiency and nimble handling dynamics. The weight also affects acceleration capability and braking performance, with the lighter builds typically offering quicker responses. Overall, the Cavalier Mk II strikes a good balance between sturdiness and lightness in its class.
The Vauxhall Cavalier Mk II sedan offers a boot capacity of approximately 475 liters (about 16.8 cubic feet). This ample luggage space is suitable for everyday needs, including grocery shopping, luggage for weekend trips, and other common loads. The boot features a wide opening and a practical shape, enabling easy loading and unloading of cargo. Additionally, the rear seats can often be folded down in various configurations to expand the available cargo space when transporting larger items.
The ground clearance of the Vauxhall Cavalier Mk II is roughly 135 mm (5.3 inches), which is typical for a sedan of its class. This clearance allows for safe driving on most paved roads while providing reasonable clearance over minor obstacles or uneven surfaces. The turning circle is approximately 10.5 meters (34.4 feet), making the Cavalier Mk II relatively easy to maneuver in tight urban environments such as parking lots and narrow streets.
Yes, the Vauxhall Cavalier Mk II comfortably fits into a standard residential garage. Most residential garages have interior widths of about 2.4 to 3 meters (7.9 to 9.8 feet) and lengths from 5.5 to 6 meters (18 to 20 feet), which easily accommodate the Cavalier Mk II's length of around 4.425 meters (14.52 feet) and width of 1.69 meters (5.54 feet). With careful parking, the vehicle leaves extra room on all sides for opening doors and storage. This makes it convenient for owners to park the car securely in typical home garages without difficulty.
Compared to its predecessor, the Cavalier Mk I, the Mk II generation saw moderate dimensional changes aimed at improving interior space and modernizing design. The Mk II is generally slightly longer and wider. While the Mk I had a length of around 4,375 mm (172.2 inches) and width of about 1,660 mm (65.4 inches), the Mk II's length of approximately 4,425 mm (174.2 inches) and width of about 1,690 mm (66.5 inches) provided improved cabin room and a more planted stance. These refinements resulted in enhanced passenger comfort and better road presence without drastically changing the car’s footprint.
In comparison to other mid-sized sedans of the 1980s, such as the Ford Cortina Mk5 and the Volkswagen Passat B2, the Vauxhall Cavalier Mk II sits comfortably within the typical size range for its class. The Ford Cortina was slightly longer at about 4,545 mm (179 inches) but similar in width, while the Volkswagen Passat measured around 4,350 mm (171.3 inches) in length, marginally shorter than the Cavalier Mk II. Overall, the Cavalier Mk II offered competitive interior space and exterior dimensions for driving practicality and passenger comfort relative to its contemporaries.
During its production from 1981 to 1988, the Vauxhall Cavalier Mk II was offered with a range of petrol engines including 1.3L, 1.6L, and 1.8L four-cylinder units, as well as a 2.0L option in sportier trims. Performance varied from more economical outputs for daily driving to higher-powered versions in sportier or GL trims, with power output ranging roughly from 60 to 115 horsepower. The car was praised for its good balance of performance and fuel economy, making it a popular family and commuter vehicle of its time.
The Vauxhall Cavalier Mk II offers seating capacity for five occupants, with two front seats and a bench or split-folding rear seat accommodating three passengers. Thanks to its generous wheelbase of around 2,562 mm (100.9 inches), the interior provides ample legroom and headroom for front and rear passengers. The cabin design emphasizes comfort and practicality, with moderate shoulder width to suit five adults under typical conditions. Overall, the interior space supports a comfortable ride for families or groups on city and highway journeys.
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