| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1976 |
| Production Years: | 1975 - 1981 discontinued in 1981 |
The Vauxhall Cavalier, launched in 1975 for the 1976 model year, represents Vauxhall's offering in the mid-size sedan segment during the late 1970s. Produced until 1981, this generation Cavalier served as a practical and spacious family car that balanced performance with comfort. Although specific dimensions for the 1976 Cavalier sedan can vary depending on the variant and body style, the vehicle generally falls within the mid-size category, with an approximate length around 4,250 mm to 4,300 mm (about 167 to 169 inches), a width near 1,650 mm (approximately 65 inches), and a height roughly 1,350 mm (about 53 inches). These measurements contribute to a roomy interior and an ample trunk space, suitable for family needs and daily commuting. The design featured a classic three-box sedan silhouette, which was typical of European sedans of that era, reflecting both practicality and a modestly conservative aesthetic. Vauxhall Cavalier's weight typically ranged around 1,000 to 1,100 kg (2,205 to 2,425 lbs), supporting its nimble handling and reasonable fuel economy for the period. The Cavalier competed with similar vehicles in the European market, appealing to buyers seeking reliability, affordability, and accessible maintenance. Overall, the 1976-1981 Vauxhall Cavalier sedan marks an important chapter in Vauxhall’s history as a versatile mid-size vehicle tailored to British and European motoring demands during the late 1970s.
Discover the standout features that make the 1976 Vauxhall Cavalier a leader in its class
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The 1976-1981 Vauxhall Cavalier, produced during the first generation, features dimensions that fit well into the mid-size sedan category of its era. While exact measurements vary slightly by model variant, the general dimensions are approximately 4,200 mm (165.4 inches) in length, around 1,615 mm (63.6 inches) in width, and about 1,350 mm (53.1 inches) in height. These proportions give the Cavalier a balanced stance and comfortable cabin space for passengers. The relatively compact width and moderate length make it agile for urban environments, yet spacious enough for family use. Its height contributes to decent headroom and an aerodynamic profile characteristic of saloons from that period.
The wheelbase of the 1975-1981 Vauxhall Cavalier measures approximately 2,496 mm (98.3 inches). This wheelbase length is a key factor in providing a comfortable ride and balanced handling characteristics. A longer wheelbase usually translates to better ride comfort since it smooths out road imperfections more effectively. For the Cavalier, this measurement meant an optimally sized interior cabin that allowed for ample legroom for both front and rear passengers, contributing to a comfortable family sedan experience. The wheelbase was competitive in its segment, helping the Cavalier maintain a stable and composed ride without compromising maneuverability in city driving.
The curb weight of the first-generation Vauxhall Cavalier ranged roughly from 1,050 kg to 1,150 kg (2,315 to 2,535 lbs), depending on the engine and trim level. This relatively moderate weight for a mid-sized sedan contributed positively to the vehicle's overall performance and fuel efficiency. Being lighter helped enhance acceleration response and made the car more nimble during city or highway driving. Moreover, the reduced mass improved fuel economy, a crucial factor during the fuel-conscious late 1970s period. Although these weights might seem heavy compared to modern compact cars, for the time and vehicle size, the Cavalier was well balanced in terms of weight and drivability.
The Vauxhall Cavalier of this generation was designed primarily as a four-door family sedan with seating for five passengers comfortably. Its passenger cabin was spacious enough to accommodate adults in both the front and rear seats, making it suitable for everyday use and longer journeys. Regarding cargo capacity, the trunk offered a decent load volume typical for sedans of the mid-1970s, generally around 400 to 450 liters (14.1 to 15.9 cubic feet). This space was adequate for grocery shopping, luggage for a small family, or even light bulk goods. The vehicle prioritized practical usability with sufficient headroom and legroom alongside a reasonably sized boot for daily and weekend activities.
Yes, the first-generation Vauxhall Cavalier generally fits into a standard UK garage, which typically measures around 2.4 to 2.5 meters (7.9 to 8.2 feet) in width and about 4.8 to 5.5 meters (15.7 to 18 feet) in length. Given the Cavalier's width of approximately 1.615 meters (63.6 inches) and length of about 4.2 meters (165.4 inches), it comfortably fits within these dimensions, leaving room for opening doors and some maneuvering space. This makes the Cavalier a practical car for owners with typical residential garages in the UK, allowing ease of parking and secure storage.
The Vauxhall Cavalier represented a step up in size compared to the older Vauxhall Viva line, which was smaller and more compact. Whereas the Viva models usually measured around 3,900 mm (153.5 inches) in length and were narrower and shorter in height, the Cavalier provided more interior space and a more substantial presence on the road. The increased length by roughly 300 mm (11.8 inches) and wider stance translated to a more comfortable passenger experience, especially for rear seat occupants. Overall, the Cavalier’s larger dimensions contributed to an enhanced market appeal as a family sedan positioned above the Viva, offering better space and a more modern design.
When compared to similar mid-size sedans of the mid-1970s, such as the Ford Cortina Mk IV or the Austin Allegro, the Vauxhall Cavalier holds its own in terms of size and practicality. Its length of around 4.2 meters (165 inches), width near 1.6 meters (63 inches), and reasonable height aligned well with its competitors. The Cavalier often provided slightly better interior packaging and a more contemporary look, appealing to buyers seeking a reliable family sedan. Overall, its size strikes a balance between maneuverability and passenger comfort, putting it squarely in the middle of the mid-size family car segment in the UK and Europe during that time.
The first generation of the Vauxhall Cavalier, spanning 1975 to 1981, was primarily offered as a four-door sedan, which was the most common and widely marketed body style in the UK. However, in some export markets and under different branding (such as the Opel Ascona), variants included 2-door coupes and estate versions. Nonetheless, the UK market Cavalier was predominantly sold as a sedan, focusing on the family and executive saloon market segment. This focus helped Vauxhall solidify the Cavalier’s position as a mid-size family car with an emphasis on practicality and passenger comfort.
The 1976-1981 Vauxhall Cavalier came with a range of inline four-cylinder petrol engines sourced from Opel, the manufacturer of the closely related Opel Ascona. Engine sizes typically ranged from 1.3 liters to 1.9 liters, with power outputs varying between roughly 60 to 90 horsepower depending on the specific engine and trim level. These engines offered reliable and modest performance suitable for everyday driving and commuting. The Cavalier emphasized fuel efficiency and low running costs, balancing performance with practicality during an era influenced by fuel concerns. Manual transmissions were common, with some models offering automatic options for enhanced convenience.
The Vauxhall Cavalier of this era was generally praised for delivering a solid and comfortable ride, especially for a mid-range family sedan. Thanks to its well-tuned suspension and a balanced chassis, it offered a smooth driving experience on a variety of road surfaces, absorbing bumps and providing stable handling. Compared to rivals like the Ford Cortina, it was seen as slightly more refined with less body roll and better road holding. While not a sporting car, it balanced comfort and control well, making it well-suited to family and daily use without compromising maneuverability or driver confidence.
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