Opel Kapitan: Which Version Should You Buy?
The Opel Kapitan version to choose depends chiefly on whether you want the highest output, an Automatic transmission, or an earlier Cabrio. The strongest options in the catalogue are the 2.8 MT and 2.8 AT from the fifth and sixth generations, each producing 138 hp (103 kW) from 2,800 cc.
The Opel Kapitan version to choose depends chiefly on whether you want the highest output, an Automatic transmission, or an earlier Cabrio. The strongest options in the catalogue are the 2.8 MT and 2.8 AT from the fifth and sixth generations, each producing 138 hp (103 kW) from 2,800 cc. The fifth-generation 2.8 AT has 2 gears, while the sixth-generation 2.8 AT has 3; both 2.8 MT versions use a 4-speed Manual. Buyers seeking a Cabrio are limited to the first generation and its restyling, whose 2.5 MT versions produce 54 hp (40 kW) and 58 hp (43 kW) respectively. Every listed Kapitan is Gasoline-powered, uses RWD, and has a front, longitudinal Inline 6-cylinder engine with 2 valves per cylinder.
Opel Kapitan generations: what changed?
The first-generation Opel Kapitan, listed for 1938–1950, is a Cabrio with one version, the 2.5 MT. Its 2,500 cc engine produces 54 hp (40 kW), while a 3-speed Manual sends power to RWD. This model has dependent, leaf-spring front suspension and Drum front brakes. It is also the only version with measured performance figures: 0–100 km/h takes 29 seconds, and top speed is 126 km/h.
The first-generation restyling, listed for 1951–1953, remains part of the same generation. It is another Cabrio with one 2.5 MT version, now rated at 58 hp (43 kW) from 2,500 cc. That is an increase of 4 hp and 3 kW over the earlier first-generation car. The restyled model retains its 3-speed Manual and RWD but changes to independent, leaf-spring front suspension. Its compression ratio is 6, and its front brakes are Drum.
The second generation, listed for 1953–1958, changes to a Sedan and contains three entries, all named 2.5 MT. They must be distinguished by output: 68 hp (50 kW), 70 hp (52 kW), and 74 hp (55 kW). Every one uses a 2,500 cc Gasoline engine, a 3-speed Manual, RWD, independent spring front suspension, Drum front brakes, and a compression ratio of 7. The difference between the least and most powerful versions is 6 hp and 5 kW.
The third generation, listed for 1958–1959, is a Sedan with one 2.5 MT. Its 2,473 cc engine develops 79 hp (59 kW) at 4,100 rpm, an increase of 5 hp and 4 kW compared with the strongest second-generation 2.5 MT. It keeps the 3-speed Manual, RWD, independent spring front suspension, and Drum front brakes.
The fourth generation, listed for 1959–1963, is a Sedan offered as 2.6 MT and 2.6 AT. Both have a 2,600 cc Gasoline engine producing 89 hp (65 kW). The 2.6 MT has a 3-speed Manual, while the 2.6 AT has a 3-speed Automatic. Both use RWD, independent leaf-spring front suspension, Drum front brakes, and an 85 × 76.5 bore-and-stroke measurement.
The fifth generation, listed for 1964–1968, is a Sedan with two versions: 2.8 MT and 2.8 AT. Both produce 138 hp (103 kW) from 2,800 cc, representing a rise of 49 hp and 38 kW over either fourth-generation version. The 2.8 MT uses a 4-speed Manual, whereas the 2.8 AT uses a 2-speed Automatic. Independent spring front suspension and Disc front brakes replace the preceding generation’s independent leaf-spring arrangement and Drum front brakes.
The sixth generation, listed for 1969–1970, is a Sedan with the same two version names and outputs: 2.8 MT and 2.8 AT, each with 2,800 cc, 138 hp, and 103 kW. The 2.8 MT remains a 4-speed Manual. The important transmission change concerns the 2.8 AT, which has a 3-speed Automatic rather than the fifth generation’s 2-speed Automatic. Both sixth-generation versions retain RWD, independent spring front suspension, and Disc front brakes.
Opel Kapitan engine and specs
| Generation and years | Exact version | Power | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First, 1938–1950 | 2.5 MT | 54 hp / 40 kW | 2,500 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| First, restyling, 1951–1953 | 2.5 MT | 58 hp / 43 kW | 2,500 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | not measured | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second, 1953–1958 | 2.5 MT (68 hp) | 68 hp / 50 kW | 2,500 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second, 1953–1958 | 2.5 MT (70 hp) | 70 hp / 52 kW | 2,500 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second, 1953–1958 | 2.5 MT (74 hp) | 74 hp / 55 kW | 2,500 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| Third, 1958–1959 | 2.5 MT | 79 hp / 59 kW | 2,473 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| Fourth, 1959–1963 | 2.6 MT | 89 hp / 65 kW | 2,600 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| Fourth, 1959–1963 | 2.6 AT | 89 hp / 65 kW | 2,600 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Fifth, 1964–1968 | 2.8 MT | 138 hp / 103 kW | 2,800 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Fifth, 1964–1968 | 2.8 AT | 138 hp / 103 kW | 2,800 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 2-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Sixth, 1969–1970 | 2.8 MT | 138 hp / 103 kW | 2,800 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Sixth, 1969–1970 | 2.8 AT | 138 hp / 103 kW | 2,800 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
The catalogue’s power-per-litre comparison makes the progression clearer. The first-generation 2.5 MT provides 21.6 hp per litre, and the restyled 2.5 MT provides 23.2 hp per litre. The second-generation 2.5 MT entries deliver 27.2, 28.0, and 29.6 hp per litre, according to their 68 hp, 70 hp, and 74 hp outputs. The third-generation 2.5 MT reaches approximately 31.9 hp per litre, while each fourth-generation 2.6 version delivers approximately 34.2 hp per litre. Every fifth- and sixth-generation 2.8 version reaches approximately 49.3 hp per litre, the highest figure derived from the supplied specifications.
Opel Kapitan performance and mpg
Only the first-generation 2.5 MT has measured performance in the catalogue: 29 seconds from 0–100 km/h and a 126 km/h top speed. Acceleration and top speed are not measured for the restyled first-generation 2.5 MT, any of the three second-generation 2.5 MT entries, the third-generation 2.5 MT, either fourth-generation 2.6 version, or any fifth- or sixth-generation 2.8 version.
City fuel consumption is not measured for every version. Highway fuel consumption is not measured for every version, and combined fuel consumption is likewise not measured. Consequently, an Opel Kapitan mpg comparison cannot be made from the supplied catalogue data. CO₂ output and environmental class are also not measured for every version.
Opel Kapitan dimensions, weight, tank and wheels
External dimensions are not measured for any listed Opel Kapitan version. Kerb weight, gross weight, ground clearance, fuel-tank capacity, and wheel sizes are also not measured throughout the range. Because kerb weight is unavailable, weight per horsepower cannot be calculated without introducing a figure outside the supplied data.
The available chassis specifications still distinguish the alternatives. The first 2.5 MT has dependent, leaf-spring front suspension; the restyled first-generation 2.5 MT and both fourth-generation 2.6 versions use independent, leaf-spring front suspension. The second- and third-generation 2.5 MT versions and all fifth- and sixth-generation 2.8 versions use independent, spring front suspension. Front brakes are Drum through the fourth generation and Disc on the fifth- and sixth-generation cars. Rear suspension and rear-brake specifications are not measured for every version.
Which Opel Kapitan version should you choose?
For maximum recorded output, choose a fifth- or sixth-generation 2.8 MT or 2.8 AT. All four deliver the same 138 hp (103 kW) from 2,800 cc, so the decision is about transmission rather than engine output. The 2.8 MT has a 4-speed Manual in both generations. Among the Automatic cars, the sixth-generation 2.8 AT offers a 3-speed Automatic, one gear more than the fifth-generation 2.8 AT, with no recorded sacrifice in power.
For a fourth-generation car, the 2.6 MT and 2.6 AT are equal on the supplied engine figures: 89 hp (65 kW) and 2,600 cc. Both transmissions have 3 gears, making the preference simply Manual versus Automatic on the available evidence.
Within the second generation, the 74 hp (55 kW) 2.5 MT is the strongest choice. It provides 6 hp more than the 68 hp (50 kW) 2.5 MT and 4 hp more than the 70 hp (52 kW) 2.5 MT, while all three share the same 2,500 cc displacement, 3-speed Manual, RWD layout, suspension type, front-brake type, and compression ratio.
For buyers set on a Cabrio, the restyled 2.5 MT has the stronger specification: 58 hp (43 kW) against 54 hp (40 kW) for the earlier 2.5 MT. The earlier car remains the choice when measured performance is essential because it is the only Kapitan here with recorded acceleration and top-speed figures.
No recommendation about purchase price, running cost, reliability, problems, or regional availability can be made from this dataset: prices, sale listings, maintenance records, and fault data are not measured. On specifications alone, the sixth-generation 2.8 AT is the clearest Automatic choice, the fifth- or sixth-generation 2.8 MT is the clearest Manual choice, and the restyled 2.5 MT is the more powerful of the two Cabrio alternatives.