Adler Primus: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Adler Primus choice comes down to three Limousine generations and two mechanical specifications. The 1 generation, produced from 1932 to 1934, has the 1.5 MT with 32 hp, 1,504 cc, and a top speed of 90. The 2 generation, produced from 1933 to 1936, introduces the 1.7 MT with 37 hp, 1,645 cc, and a top speed of 95.
The Adler Primus choice comes down to three Limousine generations and two mechanical specifications. The 1 generation, produced from 1932 to 1934, has the 1.5 MT with 32 hp, 1,504 cc, and a top speed of 90. The 2 generation, produced from 1933 to 1936, introduces the 1.7 MT with 37 hp, 1,645 cc, and a top speed of 95. The 3 generation, produced from 1937 to 1938, retains the same 37 hp and 1,645 cc specification but raises top speed to 100. Each generation contains one version, so the practical buying decision is between the smaller 1.5 MT and two generation-specific examples of the 1.7 MT.
Adler Primus generations compared
The 1 generation ran from 1932 to 1934 and was offered as a Limousine. Its only version is the 1.5 MT. This is the smallest and least powerful choice: its Gasoline engine displaces 1,504 cc and produces 32 hp (24 kW). The version has a four-cylinder Inline layout, a Front, longitudinal engine position, Carburetor fuel delivery, a four-speed Manual gearbox, and RWD. Its top speed is 90.
The 2 generation ran from 1933 to 1936, overlapping the 1 generation during 1933 and 1934. It is also a Limousine with one version, named 1.7 MT. Compared with the earlier 1.5 MT, displacement increases by 141 cc, output rises by 5 hp and 4 kW, and top speed increases by 5. The engine remains Gasoline, four-cylinder, Inline, Front, longitudinal, and Carburetor-fed; the transmission remains a four-speed Manual and the drive remains RWD.
The 3 generation ran from 1937 to 1938 and again combined a Limousine body with one version, the 1.7 MT. Its listed engine and drivetrain specification matches the 2 generation 1.7 MT: 1,645 cc, 37 hp (28 kW), a four-cylinder Inline Gasoline engine, Front, longitudinal placement, Carburetor fuel delivery, a four-speed Manual gearbox, and RWD. The measured difference is top speed, which rises from 95 in the 2 generation to 100 in the 3 generation.
Adler Primus engine and specs
Because 1.7 MT is used in both the 2 generation and the 3 generation, the generation and power are shown with the version name to distinguish them clearly.
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders | Layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 generation — 1.5 MT, 32 hp | 32 hp (24 kW) | not measured | 1,504 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | not measured | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2 generation — 1.7 MT, 37 hp | 37 hp (28 kW) | not measured | 1,645 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | not measured | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 3 generation — 1.7 MT, 37 hp | 37 hp (28 kW) | not measured | 1,645 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | not measured | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
The 1 generation 1.5 MT produces approximately 21.3 hp per litre. Both 1.7 MT versions produce approximately 22.5 hp per litre. The larger engine therefore adds about 8.8 percent displacement over the 1.5 MT while increasing power by about 15.6 percent. Its output per litre is roughly 5.7 percent higher.
There is no listed engine-output advantage to choosing the 3 generation 1.7 MT over the 2 generation 1.7 MT: both have 37 hp, 28 kW, and 1,645 cc. Their engine layout, fuel system, gearbox, and drive are also the same in the supplied specifications.
Adler Primus performance and economy
| Generation and version | 0–100 | Top speed | City consumption | Highway consumption | Combined consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 generation — 1.5 MT, 32 hp | not measured | 90 | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 2 generation — 1.7 MT, 37 hp | not measured | 95 | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 3 generation — 1.7 MT, 37 hp | not measured | 100 | not measured | not measured | not measured |
For maximum listed performance, the 3 generation 1.7 MT is the clear choice. Its top speed is 10 higher than that of the 1 generation 1.5 MT and 5 higher than that of the 2 generation 1.7 MT. In relative terms, it is about 11.1 percent faster at the top end than the 1.5 MT and about 5.3 percent faster than the earlier 1.7 MT.
Acceleration to 100 is not measured for any version. City, highway, and combined fuel consumption are also not measured, so the data cannot establish which Adler Primus has the better economy or acceleration. CO₂ output and ecological class are not measured for all three versions as well.
Adler Primus dimensions and weight
| Generation and version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 generation — 1.5 MT, 32 hp | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 2 generation — 1.7 MT, 37 hp | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 3 generation — 1.7 MT, 37 hp | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
Kerb weight and gross weight are not measured for any Adler Primus version. Consequently, weight per horsepower cannot be calculated reliably. Ground clearance, fuel-tank capacity, and wheel sizes are also not measured for the 1.5 MT or either 1.7 MT. The supplied data therefore gives no numerical basis for choosing between generations on carrying capacity, road clearance, driving range, or wheel fitment.
Adler Primus reliability and problems
Reliability results and recorded problems are not measured for the 1 generation 1.5 MT, the 2 generation 1.7 MT, or the 3 generation 1.7 MT. The specifications show that every version uses a Gasoline engine, Carburetor fuel delivery, a four-speed Manual gearbox, and RWD, but those shared attributes do not establish reliability. Maintenance history and condition would need separate evidence and cannot be inferred from the catalogue figures.
Which Adler Primus version should you buy?
Choose the 1 generation 1.5 MT if the smaller 1,504 cc specification or the 1932–1934 production period is the priority. It gives up 5 hp and 4 kW to either 1.7 MT, while its listed top speed is 5 below the 2 generation version and 10 below the 3 generation version. It is the distinct early specification rather than the performance-led choice.
Choose the 2 generation 1.7 MT if you want the larger, more powerful engine without requiring the highest listed top speed. Relative to the 1.5 MT, its extra 141 cc brings 5 additional hp and a top-speed increase of 5. It also covers the 1933–1936 production period, including an overlap with the 1 generation during 1933 and 1934.
Choose the 3 generation 1.7 MT if the strongest numerical specification matters most. It has the same 1,645 cc displacement and 37 hp output as the 2 generation 1.7 MT, yet its top speed is 100 instead of 95. It is also 10 above the 1 generation 1.5 MT. On the available figures, this is the best performance choice.
No price data is provided, so the extra money required for one generation over another is not measured. Fuel economy, acceleration, torque, weights, dimensions, reliability, and problems are likewise not measured. Any value judgment beyond engine displacement, power, production period, and top speed would therefore depend on evidence outside this catalogue data.