Which Opel Manta Version Should You Buy?
Choosing an Opel Manta from the catalogue data comes down to four priorities: outright performance, accessible power, transmission choice, and ground clearance. The model spans two Coupe generations: the first generation ran from 1970 to 1975 with 8 versions, while the second ran from 1975 to 1988 with 23 versions.
Choosing an Opel Manta from the catalogue data comes down to four priorities: outright performance, accessible power, transmission choice, and ground clearance. The model spans two Coupe generations: the first generation ran from 1970 to 1975 with 8 versions, while the second ran from 1975 to 1988 with 23 versions. Among the listed cars, the quickest is the second-generation 2.0 MT with 110 hp, which reaches 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds and 192 km/h. The first-generation 1.9 MT with 105 hp is nearly as fast at the top end, reaching 190 km/h, but takes 12.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h. Buyers seeking an Automatic have one clearly identified option in the supplied specifications: the second-generation 1.9 AT with 105 hp and a 3-speed gearbox.
Opel Manta generations: which one suits you?
The first-generation Opel Manta is a Coupe produced from 1970 to 1975, with 8 versions in the catalogue. Its listed Gasoline engines range from 1196 to 1900 cc and from 60 to 105 hp. Every version uses RWD and a 4-speed Manual gearbox. Ground clearance is consistently 160 mm. Among versions with complete performance figures, acceleration ranges from 12.5 to 18.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, while top speed ranges from 145 to 190 km/h.
The second-generation Opel Manta is also a Coupe and covers 1975 to 1988, with 23 versions in the catalogue. Its displayed specifications include engines from 1196 to 1979 cc and outputs from 55 to 110 hp. All listed versions use RWD, but this generation adds a 1.9 AT with a 3-speed Automatic alongside the 4-speed Manual versions. Ground clearance decreases from the first generation’s 160 mm to 130 mm, a difference of 30 mm. Available performance data span 10.5 to 20.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and 138 to 192 km/h.
The first generation therefore offers more ground clearance, while the second provides the quickest listed acceleration, the highest listed top speed, and the only Automatic represented in the data. The overlapping 1975 dates mean the choice should be made by generation and exact version, not by year alone.
Opel Manta engine specs compared
All listed engines are naturally aspirated Gasoline units with 4 Inline cylinders. Exact version names repeat in the catalogue, so output is included below to distinguish them.
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders | Layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 1.2 MT, 60 hp | 60 hp | 83 Nm | 1196 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 1.6 MT, 60 hp | 60 hp | 102 Nm | 1584 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 1.6 MT, 68 hp | 68 hp | 108 Nm | 1584 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 1.6 MT, 80 hp | 80 hp | 118 Nm | 1584 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 1.6 MT, 75 hp | 75 hp | 123 Nm | 1587 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 1.9 MT, 88 hp | 88 hp | 142 Nm | 1897 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 1.9 MT, 90 hp | 90 hp | 145 Nm | 1897 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 1.9 MT, 105 hp | 105 hp | not measured | 1900 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation 1.3 MT, 60 hp | 60 hp | 92 Nm | 1297 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation 1.3 MT, 75 hp | 75 hp | 96 Nm | 1297 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation 1.9 MT, 75 hp | 75 hp | 132 Nm | 1900 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation 2.0 MT, 90 hp | 90 hp | 142 Nm | 1979 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation 2.0 MT, 110 hp | 110 hp | 162 Nm | 1979 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation 1.2 MT, 55 hp | 55 hp | 78 Nm | 1196 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation 1.2 MT, 60 hp | 60 hp | 83 Nm | 1196 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation 1.6 MT, 75 hp | 75 hp | 123 Nm | 1587 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation 1.8 MT, 90 hp | 90 hp | 148 Nm | 1796 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation 1.9 MT, 90 hp | 90 hp | 145 Nm | 1897 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation 1.9 MT, 105 hp | 105 hp | not measured | 1900 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation 1.9 AT, 105 hp | 105 hp | not measured | 1900 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
For output relative to displacement, the second-generation 2.0 MT with 110 hp produces approximately 55.6 hp per litre. The second-generation 1.3 MT with 75 hp is slightly higher at approximately 57.8 hp per litre, while the first-generation 1.9 MT with 105 hp produces approximately 55.3 hp per litre. The 1.3 MT with 75 hp is therefore the strongest listed choice by power per litre, though the 2.0 MT with 110 hp has 35 hp and 66 Nm more.
Within the first generation, moving from the 1.9 MT with 88 hp to the 1.9 MT with 90 hp adds 2 hp and 3 Nm without changing the 1897 cc displacement. Moving from the 1.9 MT with 90 hp to the 1.9 MT with 105 hp adds 15 hp, although torque for the 105 hp version is not measured.
Opel Manta performance and mpg
| Generation and version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | Fuel consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 1.2 MT, 60 hp | 18 s | 145 km/h | not measured |
| First generation 1.6 MT, 60 hp | 18.5 s | 150 km/h | not measured |
| First generation 1.6 MT, 68 hp | 17 s | 154 km/h | not measured |
| First generation 1.6 MT, 80 hp | 15 s | 164 km/h | not measured |
| First generation 1.6 MT, 75 hp | 17 s | 159 km/h | not measured |
| First generation 1.9 MT, 88 hp | 14 s | 165 km/h | not measured |
| First generation 1.9 MT, 90 hp | 13 s | 170 km/h | not measured |
| First generation 1.9 MT, 105 hp | 12.5 s | 190 km/h | not measured |
| Second generation 1.3 MT, 60 hp | 19 s | 144 km/h | not measured |
| Second generation 1.3 MT, 75 hp | 17 s | 155 km/h | not measured |
| Second generation 1.9 MT, 75 hp | 15 s | 155 km/h | not measured |
| Second generation 2.0 MT, 90 hp | 12 s | 167 km/h | not measured |
| Second generation 2.0 MT, 110 hp | 10.5 s | 192 km/h | not measured |
| Second generation 1.2 MT, 55 hp | 20.5 s | 138 km/h | not measured |
| Second generation 1.2 MT, 60 hp | 18.5 s | 140 km/h | not measured |
| Second generation 1.6 MT, 75 hp | 14 s | 155 km/h | not measured |
| Second generation 1.8 MT, 90 hp | 12 s | 178 km/h | not measured |
| Second generation 1.9 MT, 90 hp | 12 s | 165 km/h | not measured |
| Second generation 1.9 MT, 105 hp | 10.5 s | 185 km/h | not measured |
| Second generation 1.9 AT, 105 hp | not measured | not measured | not measured |
The performance case for the second-generation 2.0 MT with 110 hp is straightforward: it is 1.5 seconds quicker to 100 km/h and 25 km/h faster than the 2.0 MT with 90 hp. It also supplies 20 hp and 20 Nm more from the same 1979 cc displacement.
The second-generation 1.8 MT with 90 hp is the more convincing of the two listed 90 hp choices. It matches the 1.9 MT with 90 hp at 12 seconds to 100 km/h but reaches 178 km/h instead of 165 km/h, a 13 km/h advantage. It also has 3 Nm more torque despite its displacement being 101 cc smaller.
Fuel consumption is not measured for every version, so the data cannot support an mpg comparison. Economy should not be inferred from engine size, transmission, or performance.
Opel Manta dimensions, weight, and everyday specifications
Both generations are listed as Coupe body styles. Exact exterior dimensions and wheel sizes are not measured for any displayed version. Kerb weight and gross weight are also not measured, which means weight per horsepower cannot be calculated reliably for any Opel Manta version in this dataset.
The first-generation versions have 160 mm of ground clearance. The second-generation versions have 130 mm, giving the first generation a 30 mm advantage. Tank capacity is not measured for either generation. Because weight, dimensions, tank capacity, and wheel sizes are unavailable, claims about passenger space, cargo capacity, range, or weight-related handling would go beyond the supplied facts.
Which Opel Manta version should you buy?
For maximum measured performance, choose the second-generation 2.0 MT with 110 hp. Its 162 Nm is the highest listed torque, its 10.5-second acceleration matches the quickest recorded time, and its 192 km/h top speed is the highest in the data.
For strong performance from a smaller engine, choose the second-generation 1.3 MT with 75 hp. Compared with the 1.3 MT with 60 hp, it adds 15 hp and 4 Nm from the same 1297 cc displacement. Acceleration improves by 2 seconds, and top speed rises by 11 km/h.
For a balanced 90 hp choice, the second-generation 1.8 MT with 90 hp stands out. Against the second-generation 1.9 MT with 90 hp, it delivers the same 12-second acceleration, 3 Nm more torque, and a 13 km/h higher top speed. Against the second-generation 2.0 MT with 90 hp, it also matches the 12-second acceleration while reaching 11 km/h more.
For first-generation performance, choose the 1.9 MT with 105 hp. It is 0.5 seconds quicker to 100 km/h and 20 km/h faster than the first-generation 1.9 MT with 90 hp. If documented torque matters more than maximum output, the 1.9 MT with 90 hp provides a measured 145 Nm, whereas torque for the 105 hp version is not measured.
For an Automatic, choose the second-generation 1.9 AT with 105 hp. It combines a 1900 cc Gasoline engine, 105 hp, a 3-speed Automatic, and RWD. Its torque, acceleration, and top speed are not measured, so it should be selected for transmission preference rather than a documented performance advantage.
For additional ground clearance, choose any first-generation version: each has 160 mm, compared with 130 mm for the second generation. For the quickest and fastest documented Opel Manta, the second-generation 2.0 MT with 110 hp remains the clearest choice.