Opel Olympia: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Opel Olympia version to choose depends mainly on whether you value the earliest specification, the later Estate 3-door body, or the strongest engine. The available catalogue data covers eight generations from 1935 to 1970, including Coupe, Sedan, and Estate 3-door bodies.
The Opel Olympia version to choose depends mainly on whether you value the earliest specification, the later Estate 3-door body, or the strongest engine. The available catalogue data covers eight generations from 1935 to 1970, including Coupe, Sedan, and Estate 3-door bodies. Every listed Olympia uses a Gasoline, Inline 4-cylinder engine with 2 valves per cylinder, no boost, a Manual gearbox, and RWD. Power ranges from 24 hp in the early 1.3 MT to 90 hp in the sixth-generation 1.9 MT. On the supplied figures, the 1.9 MT is the performance-oriented choice, while the restyled fifth-generation 1.7 MT is the only version with measured acceleration and top speed.
Opel Olympia generations: what changed?
The first-generation Opel Olympia was offered from 1935 to 1937 as a Coupe with two versions. The 1.3 MT has a 1,288 cc engine producing 24 hp (18 kW) at 3,200 rpm, while the 1.5 MT has 1,488 cc and 44 hp (32 kW) at 4,000 rpm. The smaller engine works out to approximately 18.6 hp per litre, compared with approximately 29.6 hp per litre for the 1.5 MT. That makes the 1.5 MT the clearer choice when comparing output: it adds 20 hp from 200 cc more displacement. It also has a 4-speed Manual gearbox instead of the 1.3 MT’s 3-speed Manual. Both use RWD and have a 28-litre tank.
The second-generation Opel Olympia ran from 1937 to 1943 as a Sedan with two database entries, both named 1.5 MT. Each has a 1,488 cc Gasoline engine producing 37 hp (27 kW), a 3-speed Manual gearbox, and RWD, giving approximately 24.9 hp per litre. The entries differ in their recorded front suspension: one has Independent, spring suspension with Dependent, leaf spring rear suspension, while the other lists Independent, leaf spring front suspension and leaves the rear specification not measured. The restyled second generation followed from 1947 to 1949 as a Coupe with one 1.5 MT. It retains 1,488 cc, 37 hp, and RWD but changes to a 4-speed Manual gearbox. For buyers comparing these 37 hp cars, the restyled Coupe’s additional forward ratio is its clearest recorded mechanical distinction.
The third-generation Olympia was sold from 1950 to 1953 as a Coupe with one version, the 1.5 MT. Its 1,488 cc Gasoline engine develops 37 hp (27 kW), or approximately 24.9 hp per litre, and is paired with a 3-speed Manual gearbox and RWD. Its specification closely matches the 37 hp second-generation powertrain, so the choice between them is principally about Sedan versus Coupe bodywork and the recorded generation dates rather than extra engine output.
The fourth generation covered 1953 to 1957 and introduced an Estate 3-door body. Its sole 1.5 MT produces 40 hp (29 kW) from 1,488 cc, equivalent to approximately 26.9 hp per litre. Compared with the preceding 37 hp 1.5 MT, it provides 3 hp more without additional displacement and uses a 4-speed Manual gearbox. Its compression ratio is 6.3, with an 80 × 74 bore and stroke. This is the logical middle choice for someone seeking Estate 3-door utility without moving to the larger engines of the following generation.
The fifth-generation Estate 3-door, available from 1957 to 1959, offers two versions. The 1.5 MT produces 45 hp (33 kW) at 3,900 rpm from 1,488 cc, while the 1.7 MT produces 55 hp (40 kW) from 1,680 cc. Their specific outputs are approximately 30.2 and 32.7 hp per litre respectively. Moving to the 1.7 MT adds 10 hp and 192 cc, making it the stronger choice within this generation. Both versions have a 4-speed Manual gearbox, RWD, Independent, spring front suspension, Dependent, spring rear suspension, Disc front brakes, and Drum rear brakes.
The restyled fifth-generation Estate 3-door ran from 1960 to 1963 with one 1.7 MT. It produces 60 hp (44 kW) at 4,100 rpm from 1,680 cc, which is 5 hp more than the earlier fifth-generation 1.7 MT with no change in displacement. Specific output rises from approximately 32.7 to 35.7 hp per litre. The restyled engine has an 8 compression ratio, an 85 × 74 bore and stroke, and uses 92 fuel. This version has a 4-speed Manual gearbox and RWD. Unlike the earlier fifth-generation versions, its recorded suspension is Independent, spring at the front and Dependent, leaf spring at the rear, with Drum brakes at both ends.
The sixth-generation Opel Olympia was offered from 1967 to 1970 as a Sedan with three versions: 1.1 MT, 1.7 MT, and 1.9 MT. The 1.1 MT produces 60 hp (44 kW) from 1,078 cc, the 1.7 MT produces 75 hp (55 kW) from 1,698 cc, and the 1.9 MT produces 90 hp (66 kW) from 1,897 cc. Their approximate specific outputs are 55.7, 44.2, and 47.4 hp per litre. Although the 1.1 MT has the highest power per litre, the 1.9 MT delivers the greatest absolute output. It adds 30 hp over the 1.1 MT and 15 hp over the 1.7 MT. All three use a 4-speed Manual gearbox, RWD, Independent, spring front suspension, Dependent, spring rear suspension, Disc front brakes, and Drum rear brakes.
Opel Olympia engine and specs
| Generation and years | Version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First, 1935–1937 | 1.3 MT | 24 hp | not measured | 1,288 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| First, 1935–1937 | 1.5 MT | 44 hp | not measured | 1,488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second, 1937–1943 | 1.5 MT, 37 hp, spring front suspension | 37 hp | not measured | 1,488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second, 1937–1943 | 1.5 MT, 37 hp, leaf-spring front suspension | 37 hp | not measured | 1,488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second restyling, 1947–1949 | 1.5 MT | 37 hp | not measured | 1,488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Third, 1950–1953 | 1.5 MT | 37 hp | not measured | 1,488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| Fourth, 1953–1957 | 1.5 MT | 40 hp | not measured | 1,488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Fifth, 1957–1959 | 1.5 MT | 45 hp | not measured | 1,488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Fifth, 1957–1959 | 1.7 MT | 55 hp | not measured | 1,680 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Fifth restyling, 1960–1963 | 1.7 MT | 60 hp | not measured | 1,680 cc | Gasoline, 92 | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Sixth, 1967–1970 | 1.1 MT | 60 hp | not measured | 1,078 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Sixth, 1967–1970 | 1.7 MT | 75 hp | not measured | 1,698 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Sixth, 1967–1970 | 1.9 MT | 90 hp | not measured | 1,897 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
The table’s added descriptors distinguish the two second-generation entries without changing their exact shared version name, 1.5 MT. Both produce the same 37 hp.
Opel Olympia performance and mpg
Measured acceleration and top speed are supplied only for the restyled fifth-generation 1.7 MT: 0–100 km/h takes 26 seconds, and maximum speed is 129 km/h. Acceleration and top speed are not measured for every other version, including the more powerful sixth-generation engines, so their relative road performance cannot be quantified from the available data.
City fuel consumption is not measured for any version. Highway fuel consumption is not measured for any version, and combined fuel consumption is also not measured for any version. Consequently, no supported mpg comparison can be made. Fuel grade is recorded only for the restyled fifth-generation 1.7 MT, which uses 92; fuel grade is not measured for all other versions.
Opel Olympia dimensions, weight, and capacity
Kerb weight, gross weight, ground clearance, and wheel sizes are not measured for any listed Opel Olympia version. Because kerb weight is not measured, weight per horsepower cannot be calculated without inventing a value.
Tank capacity is 28 litres for both first-generation versions, the 1.3 MT and 1.5 MT. Tank capacity is not measured for every later version. No supported comparison of body size or load capacity is possible because exterior dimensions and cargo measurements are not included in the supplied data.
Which Opel Olympia version should you buy?
Choose the first-generation 1.5 MT over the contemporary 1.3 MT if output is the priority. Its advantage is substantial within that generation: 44 hp instead of 24 hp, 1,488 cc instead of 1,288 cc, and a 4-speed Manual instead of a 3-speed Manual. Both retain the Coupe body, RWD, and the measured 28-litre tank.
Choose the restyled second-generation 1.5 MT if you want the 37 hp, 1,488 cc specification with a 4-speed Manual gearbox. The earlier second-generation Sedan entries and the third-generation Coupe use a 3-speed Manual with the same 37 hp. This recommendation reflects gearbox specification, not an unmeasured claim about acceleration or economy.
Among the Estate 3-door models, the fourth-generation 1.5 MT is the lower-output option at 40 hp. The fifth-generation 1.5 MT raises output to 45 hp, while its 1.7 MT reaches 55 hp. The restyled fifth-generation 1.7 MT increases that figure to 60 hp and is the only Olympia here with measured performance: 26 seconds to 100 km/h and a 129 km/h maximum speed. It is therefore the most evidence-rich choice for a buyer who wants known performance figures.
Choose the sixth-generation 1.1 MT if power per litre matters most: its approximately 55.7 hp per litre is the highest calculated figure in the catalogue data. Choose the sixth-generation 1.9 MT if total power matters most: its 90 hp is 15 hp above the 1.7 MT and 30 hp above the 1.1 MT. The sixth-generation 1.7 MT sits between them at 75 hp and 1,698 cc.
There is no factual basis here for saying which Olympia is cheapest to buy, easiest to find for sale, most economical, or most reliable. Prices, listings, consumption figures, fault records, and maintenance data are not measured. Based strictly on the supplied specifications, the sixth-generation 1.9 MT is the strongest choice, the restyled fifth-generation 1.7 MT is the choice with documented performance, and the first-generation 1.5 MT offers the largest same-generation power gain over its alternative.