The Opel Commodore C Caravan 2.5 E Automatic, produced between 1980 and 1982, represented a comfortable and spacious offering within Opel’s lineup. Part of the Commodore C series (1978-1982), the Caravan – Opel’s designation for a station wagon or estate – aimed to provide practicality without sacrificing the Commodore’s reputation for refined motoring. This particular variant, equipped with the 2.5-liter inline-six engine and a three-speed automatic transmission, occupied a mid-range position within the Commodore C Caravan family, offering a balance between performance and ease of use. It was positioned above the smaller four-cylinder models and below the higher-performance Commodore GS variants.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Commodore |
| Generation | Commodore C Caravan |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5 E (130 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1980 |
| End of production | 1982 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg, 23.9 UK mpg, 8.5 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 182 km/h (113.09 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.2 kg/Hp, 97.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.2 kg/Nm, 138.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 130 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 52.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 185 Nm @ 4600 rpm (136.45 lb.-ft. @ 4600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 25E |
| Engine displacement | 2490 cm3 (151.95 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 87 mm (3.43 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 69.8 mm (2.75 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1332 kg (2936.56 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1935 kg (4265.94 lbs.) |
| Max load | 603 kg (1329.39 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1400 kg (3086.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 630 kg (1388.91 lbs.) |
| Length | 4732 mm (186.3 in.) |
| Width | 1722 mm (67.8 in.) |
| Height | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2668 mm (105.04 in.) |
| Front track | 1447 mm (56.97 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1438 mm (56.61 in.) |
| Front overhang | 956 mm (37.64 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1108 mm (43.62 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.46 |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.8 m (35.43 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 3 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Tires size | 175/88 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Commodore C Caravan 2.5 E Automatic was the 25E engine, a 2.5-liter (2490 cc) inline-six cylinder powerplant. This engine featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain operating two valves per cylinder. The 25E utilized Bosch multi-port fuel injection, a significant advancement over earlier carbureted Opel engines, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The engine produced 130 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 185 Nm (136.45 lb-ft) of torque at 4600 rpm. The engine’s longitudinal mounting and rear-wheel drive configuration were typical for European cars of this era. Paired with the engine was a three-speed automatic transmission, providing convenient shifting for everyday driving. This transmission, while not known for its sportiness, offered a comfortable driving experience, particularly suited for long journeys.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.5-liter engine and automatic transmission combination delivered a comfortable, if not particularly exhilarating, driving experience. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took around 12.8 seconds, and the top speed was approximately 113 mph. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were geared towards relaxed cruising rather than rapid acceleration. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the Commodore, the automatic offered less driver involvement and slightly reduced fuel economy. However, it provided a smoother and more effortless driving experience, especially in city traffic. Compared to the more powerful Commodore GS models, the 2.5 E Automatic lacked the punch for spirited driving, but it offered a more refined and comfortable ride.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Commodore C Caravan 2.5 E Automatic typically came equipped with features considered standard for a mid-range vehicle in the early 1980s. These included cloth upholstery, a basic radio, and power-assisted steering. Optional extras included a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and more luxurious interior trim options. The Caravan’s spacious interior was a key selling point, offering ample room for passengers and cargo. The rear suspension was tuned for comfort, and the ride quality was generally considered good for a vehicle of its size and weight.
Chassis & Braking
The Commodore C Caravan featured an independent McPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and an anti-roll bar. The rear suspension utilized a solid axle with coil springs. Braking was accomplished via ventilated discs on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. While adequate for normal driving conditions, the braking system wasn’t particularly powerful by modern standards. The steering was power-assisted, making maneuvering easier, especially at low speeds. The 175/88 R14 tires provided a reasonable balance between grip and ride comfort.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Commodore C Caravan 2.5 E Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and comfortable family car. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and relatively refined engine. However, some critics noted its somewhat lackluster performance and relatively high fuel consumption. Compared to other station wagons on the market, such as the Ford Taunus Turnier or the Volvo 245, the Commodore offered a more luxurious and refined experience, but at a higher price point. The automatic transmission was seen as a convenience feature, but it did detract slightly from the car’s overall performance and fuel economy.
Legacy
The Opel Commodore C Caravan 2.5 E Automatic, while not a particularly rare or collectible car today, holds a nostalgic appeal for enthusiasts of classic European automobiles. The 25E engine is known for its durability and relative simplicity, making it a relatively easy engine to maintain. However, finding parts can be challenging, as production ceased over four decades ago. Well-maintained examples are becoming increasingly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the Commodore’s spaciousness, comfort, and classic styling. The Commodore C Caravan represents a significant chapter in Opel’s history, showcasing the brand’s commitment to building practical and comfortable family cars.
