Daewoo Nubira: generations compared: what actually changed
Power per litre (hp ÷ displacement in litres) using the listed figures:
1 generation (1997-02-01 to 1999-03-31) and 2 generation (1999-04-01 to 2002-03-31) share the same engine names and most of the same outputs: 1.5 MT 110 hp, 1.6 MT / 1.6 AT 106 hp, 1.8 MT / 1.8 AT 136 hp, 2.0 MT / 2.0 AT 133 hp, plus 2 generation 2.0 rows at 126 hp. Tank is 62 l on both. Ground clearance is 140 mm on 1 generation throughout; 2 generation adds 160 mm on several 2.0 and 1.6 AT rows.
3 generation (2002-06-01 to 2005-01-31) is the only generation with a 1.4 (94 hp, 1399 cm³) and the only one without a 1.5. The 1.8 drops from 136 hp / 1796 cm³ to 122 hp / 1799 cm³ (−14 hp, +3 cm³). The 2.0 is listed at 132 hp versus 133 hp or 126 hp earlier. Tank falls from 62 l to 60 l (−2 l). Kerb weight on the lightest 3 generation 1.4 MT / 1.6 MT is 1180 kg, 100 kg above the 1.5 MT at 1080 kg.
Power per litre (hp ÷ displacement in litres) using the listed figures:
| Engine (typical) | hp / litres | hp per litre |
|---|---|---|
| 1.8 136 hp / 1796 cm³ (1–2 gen) | 136 / 1.796 | 75.7 |
| 1.5 110 hp / 1498 cm³ | 110 / 1.498 | 73.4 |
| 1.6 110 hp / 1598 cm³ (3 gen) | 110 / 1.598 | 68.8 |
| 1.4 94 hp / 1399 cm³ | 94 / 1.399 | 67.2 |
| 1.8 122 hp / 1799 cm³ (3 gen) | 122 / 1.799 | 67.8 |
| 2.0 133 hp / 1998 cm³ | 133 / 1.998 | 66.6 |
| 2.0 132 hp / 1998 cm³ (3 gen) | 132 / 1.998 | 66.1 |
| 1.6 106 hp / 1598 cm³ (1–2 gen) | 106 / 1.598 | 66.3 |
| 2.0 126 hp / 1998 cm³ (2 gen) | 126 / 1.998 | 63.1 |
The 1.8 of 1 generation / 2 generation is the densest engine in the data. The 3 generation 1.8 is 7.9 hp/l lower. The 2.0 at 126 hp is the least dense.
Engines and specs (all listed versions)
Use the exact names. Where two rows share a name, they are distinguished by power, 0–100, weight, clearance, or octane as in the data.
3 generation Sedan (2002-06-01 – 2005-01-31)
| Version | hp (rpm) | Nm (rpm) | cm³ | Fuel | Cyl / layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 MT (11.6 s / 175 km/h / 140 mm / 95) | 94 (6300) | 131 (4400) | 1399 | Gasoline 95 | 4 Inline | No | Manual 5 | FWD |
| 1.4 MT (10.7 s / 187 km/h / 151 mm / 92) | 94 (6200) | 130 (3400) | 1399 | Gasoline 92 | 4 Inline | No | Manual 5 | FWD |
| 1.4 AT | 94 (6200) | 130 (3400) | 1399 | Gasoline 92 | 4 Inline | No | Automatic 4 | FWD |
| 1.6 MT (10.7 s / 1180 kg) | 110 (5800) | 150 (4000) | 1598 | Gasoline 95 | 4 Inline | No | Manual 5 | FWD |
| 1.6 MT (11.4 s / 1250 kg) | 110 (5800) | 150 (4000) | 1598 | Gasoline 95 | 4 Inline | No | Manual 5 | FWD |
| 1.6 AT (12.7 s / 1180 kg) | 110 (5800) | 150 (4000) | 1598 | Gasoline 95 | 4 Inline | No | Automatic 4 | FWD |
| 1.6 AT (13.7 s / 1250 kg) | 110 (5800) | 150 (4000) | 1598 | Gasoline 95 | 4 Inline | No | Automatic 4 | FWD |
| 1.8 MT (9.5 s / 1210 kg) | 122 (5800) | 165 (4000) | 1799 | Gasoline 95 | 4 Inline | No | Manual 5 | FWD |
| 1.8 MT (10.4 s / 1275 kg) | 122 (5800) | 165 (4000) | 1799 | Gasoline 95 | 4 Inline | No | Manual 5 | FWD |
| 1.8 AT | 122 (5800) | 165 (4000) | 1799 | Gasoline 95 | 4 Inline | No | Automatic 4 | FWD |
| 2.0 MT | 132 (5400) | 184 (4400) | 1998 | Gasoline 95 | 4 Inline | No | Manual 5 | FWD |
| 2.0 AT | 132 (5400) | 184 (4400) | 1998 | Gasoline 95 | 4 Inline | No | Automatic 4 | FWD |
Bore × stroke: 1.4 AT and the 92-octane 1.4 MT 77.9 × 73.4; 1.6 79 × 81.5; 1.8 81.6 × 86; 2.0 86 × 86. Compression: 1.4 AT / 1.6 / 2.0 9.5; 1.8 9.8; first 1.4 MT (95, 6300 rpm) compression not measured, bore not measured. Suspension Independent, spring front and rear; brakes Disc front and rear on every 3 generation row.
2 generation Sedan (1999-04-01 – 2002-03-31)
| Version | hp (rpm) | Nm | cm³ | Fuel | Gearbox | Notes that split duplicates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 MT | 110 (6200) | 140 (4200) | 1498 | 95 | Manual 5 | 1080 kg, 11.0 s, 185 km/h, 140 mm |
| 1.6 MT | 106 (6000) | 145 (3400) | 1598 | 92 | Manual 5 | 1205 kg, 11.0 s, 185 km/h, 140 mm |
| 1.6 AT (5800 rpm) | 106 (5800) | 145 (3800) | 1598 | 95 | Automatic 4 | 0–100 not measured, vmax not measured, 160 mm, kerb not measured, 1720 kg gross |
| 1.6 AT (6000 rpm) | 106 (6000) | 145 (3400) | 1598 | 95 | Automatic 4 | 0–100 not measured, vmax not measured, 160 mm, 1860 kg gross |
| 1.8 MT | 136 (5600) | 161 (4400) | 1796 | 92 | Manual 5 | 9.0 s, 195 km/h, 1155 kg |
| 1.8 AT | 136 (5600) | 161 (4400) | 1796 | 92 | Automatic 4 | 10.5 s, 195 km/h, 1155 kg |
| 2.0 MT (126 hp) | 126 (5400) | 180 (4400) | 1998 | 95 | Manual 5 | 9.0 s, 195 km/h, 1240 kg, 160 mm, 1720 kg gross |
| 2.0 MT (126 hp, 1275 kg) | 126 (5400) | 180 (4400) | 1998 | 95 | Manual 5 | 9.5 s, 192 km/h, 1275 kg, 160 mm, 1860 kg gross |
| 2.0 MT (133 hp) | 133 (5400) | 184 (4400) | 1998 | 92 | Manual 5 | 9.0 s, 195 km/h, 1215 kg, 140 mm |
| 2.0 AT (126 hp, 186 km/h) | 126 (5400) | 180 (4400) | 1998 | 95 | Automatic 4 | 11.0 s, kerb not measured, 160 mm, 1720 kg gross |
| 2.0 AT (126 hp, 183 km/h) | 126 (5400) | 180 (4400) | 1998 | 95 | Automatic 4 | 11.5 s, 1860 kg gross, 160 mm |
| 2.0 AT (133 hp) | 133 (5400) | 184 (4400) | 1998 | 95 | Automatic 4 | 11.5 s, 186 km/h, 1250 kg, 140 mm |
Engine location Front, transverse on the 1.5, 1.6 MT, 1.8, 2.0 133 hp rows; not measured on the 2.0 126 hp rows and both 1.6 AT rows.
1 generation Sedan (1997-02-01 – 1999-03-31)
| Version | hp | 0–100 | vmax | Fuel | Kerb | What splits the name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 MT | 110 | 11.0 | 185 | 95 | 1080 | same figures as 2 generation 1.5 MT |
| 1.6 MT (185 km/h) | 106 | 11.0 | 185 | 92 | 1189 | mixed 8.8 l/100 km |
| 1.6 MT (175 km/h) | 106 | 11.0 | 175 | 92 | 1189 | same mix 8.8; −10 km/h vs the other 1.6 MT |
| 1.6 AT (185 km/h) | 106 | 13.0 | 185 | 92 | 1189 | mixed 9.8 |
| 1.6 AT (170 km/h) | 106 | 13.0 | 170 | 92 | 1189 | −15 km/h vs the other 1.6 AT |
| 1.8 MT | 136 | 9.0 | 195 | 92 | 1155 | city/highway/mixed not measured |
| 1.8 AT | 136 | 10.5 | 195 | 92 | 1155 | city/highway/mixed not measured |
| 2.0 MT (195 km/h) | 133 | 9.0 | 195 | 92 | 1200 | mixed 9.5; city 13.5; highway 8.2 |
| 2.0 MT (185 km/h) | 133 | 9.0 | 185 | 92 | 1200 | same consumption; −10 km/h |
| 2.0 AT (190 km/h / 1200 kg) | 133 | 11.0 | 190 | 95 | 1200 | mixed 10.5; city 15.5; highway 7.7 |
| 2.0 AT (180 km/h / 1260 kg) | 133 | 11.5 | 180 | 95 | 1260 | mixed 10.2; city 15.1; highway 7.4; gross 1860 |
Performance and economy
Fastest 0–100 in the catalogue: 9.0 s — 1 generation / 2 generation 1.8 MT (136 hp) and 2.0 MT (133 hp and the 126 hp / 1240 kg row). 3 generation never lists 9.0 s: its floor is 9.5 s on 1.8 MT (1210 kg) and 2.0 MT.
Slowest measured 0–100: 3 generation 1.4 AT at 14.3 s — 2.7 s slower than the 11.6 s 1.4 MT (95, 140 mm) and 3.6 s slower than the 10.7 s 1.4 MT (92, 151 mm). Automatic penalty elsewhere: 1.6 +2.0 s (10.7 vs 12.7) or +2.3 s (11.4 vs 13.7); 1.8 +1.2 s (9.5 vs 10.7); 2.0 +1.2 s (9.5 vs 10.7). 2 generation 1.8 AT is +1.5 s versus 1.8 MT (10.5 vs 9.0) with the same 195 km/h. 1 generation 1.6 AT is +2.0 s versus 1.6 MT (13.0 vs 11.0).
Top speed: 195 km/h is the ceiling — 1.8 MT, 1.8 AT, and several 2.0 MT rows in 1 generation / 2 generation. 3 generation peaks at 194 km/h (1.8 MT, 2.0 MT). Automatics in 3 generation cap 1.8 AT and 2.0 AT at 184 km/h (−10 km/h versus the matching manuals). Lowest measured vmax: 1 generation 1.6 AT (170 km/h). 2 generation 1.6 AT vmax not measured.
Fuel (l/100 km) — only where measured:
- 3 generation 1.4 MT (95, 11.6 s): city 9.3 / highway 5.9 / mixed 7.1
- 3 generation 1.4 MT (92, 10.7 s): city 9.1 / highway 6.0 / mixed 7.1 (same mixed; −0.2 city, +0.1 highway)
- 3 generation 1.4 AT: city, highway, mixed not measured
- 3 generation 1.6 MT (1250 kg): 10.3 / 6.3 / 7.8
- 3 generation 1.6 AT (1250 kg): 12.4 / 7.2 / 8.9 (+1.1 mixed vs that 1.6 MT)
- 3 generation 1.6 MT (1180 kg) and 1.6 AT (1180 kg): all three not measured
- 3 generation 1.8 MT (1275 kg): 9.8 / 6.2 / 7.5
- 3 generation 1.8 MT (1210 kg) and 1.8 AT: not measured
- 3 generation 2.0 MT: 9.8 / 6.2 / 7.5
- 3 generation 2.0 AT: 12.5 / 7.1 / 9.1 (+1.6 mixed vs 2.0 MT)
- 1 generation 1.6 MT: 12.2 / 7.8 / 8.8
- 1 generation 1.6 AT: 13.2 / 7.8 / 9.8
- 1 generation 2.0 MT: 13.5 / 8.2 / 9.5
- 1 generation 2.0 AT (1200 kg): 15.5 / 7.7 / 10.5
- 1 generation 2.0 AT (1260 kg): 15.1 / 7.4 / 10.2
2 generation has no city, highway, or mixed figure on any version — all not measured. CO2 and eco class are not measured on every Nubira row.
Tank range arithmetic where mixed is known: 3 generation 60 l ÷ 7.1 × 100 ≈ 845 km on both 1.4 MT mixed figures; 60 / 7.5 × 100 = 800 km on 2.0 MT / heavier 1.8 MT; 60 / 9.1 × 100 ≈ 659 km on 2.0 AT. 1 generation 62 / 8.8 × 100 ≈ 705 km (1.6 MT); 62 / 10.5 × 100 ≈ 590 km (2.0 AT 1200 kg).
Dimensions and weight
Kerb / kg per hp (where kerb is measured):
- 1.5 MT (1–2 gen): 1080 kg / 110 hp = 9.82 kg/hp — lightest car in the data
- 1.8 MT / 1.8 AT (1–2 gen): 1155 / 136 = 8.49 kg/hp — best kg/hp
- 3 generation 1.4 MT: 1180 / 94 = 12.55 kg/hp — worst among measured kerbs
- 3 generation 1.6 MT 1180 kg: 1180 / 110 = 10.73; 1250 kg row: 11.36
- 3 generation 1.8 MT 1210 kg: 9.92; 1275 kg row: 10.45; 1.8 AT 1235 kg: 10.12
- 3 generation 2.0 MT: 1210 / 132 = 9.17
- 2 generation 2.0 MT 133 hp: 1215 / 133 = 9.14
- 2 generation 2.0 MT 126 hp: 1240 / 126 = 9.84 or 1275 / 126 = 10.12
- 1 generation 2.0 AT 1260 kg: 1260 / 133 = 9.47
Kerb not measured: 3 generation 1.4 AT, 3 generation 2.0 AT, 2 generation both 1.6 AT, 2 generation 2.0 AT (126 hp, 186 km/h).
Gross weight is usually 1660–1720 kg. Heavier 1860 kg rows: 2 generation 2.0 AT (183 km/h), 2.0 MT (1275 kg), 1.6 AT (6000 rpm); 1 generation 2.0 AT (1260 kg). 3 generation heaviest listed gross: 1790 kg on 1.8 MT (1275 kg kerb); 1.6 1250 kg rows 1765 kg. Lightest 3 generation gross: 1660 kg (1.4 AT and 92-octane 1.4 MT).
Ground clearance: 140 mm is the default. 151 mm on 3 generation 1.4 AT, 92-octane 1.4 MT, 2.0 AT, 2.0 MT (+11 mm). 160 mm on several 2 generation 2.0 126 hp and 1.6 AT rows (+20 mm vs 140). Wheels not measured everywhere. Tank 60 l (3 generation) or 62 l (1–2 generation).
Which version to choose
If the goal is the most performance per kilogram: 1 generation or 2 generation 1.8 MT (136 hp, 9.0 s, 195 km/h, 1155 kg, 8.49 kg/hp, 75.7 hp/l). 1.8 AT keeps 136 hp and 195 km/h and adds 1.5 s. Fuel for both is not measured. Octane 92.
If the goal is the lightest small engine: 1.5 MT at 1080 kg, 110 hp, 11.0 s, 185 km/h — 100 kg lighter than any 3 generation 1.4 MT / 1.6 MT at 1180 kg, and 16 hp above the 1.4. Consumption not measured.
If you want a 3 generation car and a measured mixed figure with a manual: 2.0 MT (132 hp, 9.5 s, 194 km/h, 7.5 mixed, 1210 kg, 151 mm) and the heavier 1.8 MT (122 hp, 10.4 s, 194 km/h, 7.5 mixed, 1275 kg, 140 mm) share the same 7.5 mixed. The 2.0 MT is 10 hp up, 0.9 s quicker, +11 mm clearance, 65 kg lighter. The lighter 1.8 MT (9.5 s, 1210 kg) matches the 2.0 MT’s 9.5 s but its consumption is not measured.
If you want an automatic in 3 generation: 1.8 AT (122 hp, 10.7 s, 184 km/h, 1235 kg) matches 2.0 AT (132 hp, 10.7 s, 184 km/h) on 0–100 and vmax; 2.0 AT adds 10 hp and 19 Nm and lists mixed 9.1 versus not measured for 1.8 AT. 1.6 AT is 110 hp: 12.7 s at 1180 kg or 13.7 s at 1250 kg, both 187 km/h. 1.4 AT is the slowest automatic (14.3 s) but is the only 1.4 automatic and runs 92.
If you want the cheapest-feeling 3 generation engine on paper: the two 1.4 MT rows. Same 94 hp. The 95-octane / 6300 rpm / 140 mm row is 11.6 s and 175 km/h, mixed 7.1. The 92-octane / 6200 rpm / 151 mm row is 10.7 s and 187 km/h, mixed also 7.1, +11 mm clearance. The 92-octane manual is the quicker 1.4 by 0.9 s and 12 km/h. 1.4 AT gives up 3.6 s versus that manual.
If you are comparing 1.6 across generations: 3 generation 1.6 is 110 hp vs 106 hp (+4). 0–100 on the lighter 3 generation 1.6 MT is 10.7 s versus 11.0 s on 1 generation / 2 generation 1.6 MT (−0.3 s). The heavier 3 generation 1.6 MT is 11.4 s — 0.4 s slower than the older 11.0 s cars despite +4 hp, because kerb is 1250 vs 1189 or 1205. Mixed: 3 generation 1250 kg 1.6 MT 7.8 vs 1 generation 1.6 MT 8.8 (−1.0 l). 2 generation 1.6 consumption not measured.
If you want a 2.0: skip the 126 hp 2 generation rows if 133 hp is available — that is +7 hp and +4 Nm (180 vs 184) at the same 1998 cm³. 3 generation 2.0 is 132 hp, one below 133, with the only mixed figures in the 2.0 family besides 1 generation. 1 generation 2.0 MT mixed 9.5 versus 3 generation 2.0 MT mixed 7.5 (−2.0 l). 1 generation 2.0 AT mixed 10.2–10.5 versus 3 generation 2.0 AT 9.1.
If clearance matters: 2 generation 160 mm 2.0 (126 hp) and 1.6 AT rows beat 151 mm 3 generation 2.0 / 1.4 AT / 92-octane 1.4 MT, which beat the 140 mm majority.
If you need consumption written down before you buy: 2 generation cannot be compared on mpg at all (every figure not measured). Use 1 generation 1.6 / 2.0 rows or 3 generation 1.4 MT, heavier 1.6, heavier 1.8 MT, and both 2.0 rows.
Reliability / problems: this dataset has no failure rates, no service intervals, and no owner-fault lists. The only mechanical splits you can score are gearbox type (Manual 5 vs Automatic 4), octane (92 vs 95), clearance (140 / 151 / 160 mm), and whether kerb and consumption were measured. Suspension and brakes do not differentiate versions: Independent, spring and Disc on the rows that list them.
Short map: peak kg/hp and hp/l → early 1.8 MT. Lightest → 1.5 MT. Latest generation with measured mixed and 9.5 s → 3 generation 2.0 MT. Latest small engine with measured mixed → 1.4 MT (pick the 92-octane 10.7 s / 151 mm row if those figures match the car in front of you). Avoid treating two cars with the same badge as the same car: 1.4 MT, 1.6 MT, 1.6 AT, 1.8 MT, 2.0 MT, and 2.0 AT each appear more than once with different seconds, kilograms, millimetres, or horsepower.