The Opel Corsa A Sedan 1.3, producing 60 horsepower, was a foundational model within the first generation of the Corsa, produced between 1985 and 1987. Positioned as the entry-level offering in the Corsa A Sedan range, it aimed to provide affordable and economical transportation for a broad market segment, particularly in Europe. This variant played a crucial role in establishing the Corsa as a competitor in the burgeoning small car segment, offering a practical and relatively modern alternative to established rivals. The Corsa A represented Opel’s attempt to modernize its small car offerings, replacing the aging Kadett. The sedan body style, while less common than the hatchback in some markets, offered increased practicality for families.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Corsa |
| Generation | Corsa A Sedan |
| Type (Engine) | 1.3 (60 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1985 |
| End of production | 1987 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 2-4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg, 47.1 UK mpg, 16.7 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 15 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 15 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 14.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 155 km/h (96.31 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.9 kg/Hp (77.4 Hp/tonne) |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.1 kg/Nm (123.9 Nm/tonne) |
| Power | 60 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 46.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 96 Nm @ 3400 rpm (70.81 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 13NB |
| Engine displacement | 1297 cm3 (79.15 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 73.4 mm (2.89 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3 l (3.17 US qt | 2.64 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.1 l (6.45 US qt | 5.37 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 775 kg (1708.58 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1255 kg (2766.8 lbs.) |
| Max load | 480 kg (1058.22 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 430 l (15.19 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 42 l (11.1 US gal | 9.24 UK gal) |
| Length | 3955 mm (155.71 in.) |
| Width | 1540 mm (60.63 in.) |
| Height | 1360 mm (53.54 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2343 mm (92.24 in.) |
| Front track | 1320 mm (51.97 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1307 mm (51.46 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 140 mm (5.51 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.38 |
| Minimum turning circle | 10 m (32.81 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Tires size | 145/70 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Corsa A Sedan 1.3 was powered by the 13NB engine, a 1.3-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. The 13NB utilized multi-port fuel injection, a relatively modern feature for its time, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation compared to carbureted engines. The engine’s 9:1 compression ratio was a compromise between performance and the ability to run on the available fuel grades in European markets. The engine was transversely mounted, driving the front wheels. The 5-speed manual transmission was the standard offering, providing a reasonable spread of gears for both urban driving and highway cruising. The engine, while not particularly powerful, was known for its durability and relative simplicity.
Driving Characteristics
The 60 horsepower output of the 1.3-liter engine resulted in modest performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 14.3 seconds, and the top speed was around 96 mph. The car felt best suited to city driving and shorter trips. The 5-speed manual transmission allowed drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band, but spirited acceleration required frequent downshifting. Compared to later Corsa A variants with larger engines (like the 1.6-liter), the 1.3 felt noticeably slower. However, the lighter weight of the 1.3 compared to those larger-engined models did help to mitigate the power deficit to some extent. The gear ratios were tuned for economy rather than outright performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.3-liter Corsa A Sedan was typically the base model, and as such, came with a relatively sparse equipment list. Standard features generally included basic steel wheels, cloth upholstery, and a simple dashboard layout. Power steering and central locking were often optional extras. Interior trim was functional rather than luxurious, with durable plastics and straightforward controls. Optional extras could include a radio, upgraded seat fabrics, and occasionally, a sunroof. The focus was on providing a practical and affordable vehicle, so comfort and convenience features were kept to a minimum.
Chassis & Braking
The Corsa A Sedan utilized a relatively simple chassis design. Front suspension consisted of MacPherson struts, while the rear suspension employed a twist-beam axle. Front brakes were disc brakes, providing adequate stopping power for the car’s weight and performance. However, the rear brakes were drums, which were less effective than disc brakes and could fade under heavy use. The car’s relatively light weight helped to compensate for the rear drum brakes. Stabilizer bars were often omitted on the base 1.3-liter model, contributing to a slightly more pronounced body roll in corners.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Corsa A Sedan 1.3 was generally well-received as an affordable and economical small car. Critics praised its fuel efficiency and ease of driving, but noted its lack of power and relatively basic interior. Compared to other small cars of the era, such as the Fiat Uno and the Renault 5, the Corsa A offered a good balance of practicality and affordability. The 1.3-liter engine provided reasonable fuel economy – around 39.2 US mpg – making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the higher-powered Corsa variants, while more expensive, offered a significantly more enjoyable driving experience.
Legacy
The Opel Corsa A Sedan 1.3, while not a performance icon, proved to be a reliable and durable vehicle. The 13NB engine, despite its modest output, was known for its longevity. Today, these cars are relatively rare, but those that remain are often sought after by enthusiasts looking for a classic and affordable European car. Parts availability can be a challenge, but many components are still available through specialist suppliers. The Corsa A Sedan 1.3 represents a significant step forward in Opel’s small car development, laying the foundation for the successful Corsa models that followed. Its simplicity and robust construction have ensured that a number of examples continue to survive and provide affordable transportation even today.
