This past weekend I happened to park next to a Mazda MX-5 Miata and started comparing the GT with the Miata as far as exterior dimensions. The cars looked pretty similar to the naked eye. My Solstice looks "beefier" than the GT but I have also always wondered how they compare on paper. Anyway, this got me to thinking about building a comparison chart between the dimensions of the classic Opel GT and modern "roadsters". I have attached the comparison here as a reference.
It seems to me that the one dimension that makes the classic GT look smaller than modern cars is its overall width. Otherwise, it is in the ballpark in all other dimensions and has an advantage in curbweight (assuming lighter = better!).
Matt
'72 Opel GT (Fireglow Orange) "Sara"
Third Owner, Purchased in 1986
Current Status: Fully Restored
Major Mods: Weber Carb, High Compression Pistons, Electronic Ignition, XM Radio / CD, ADDCO Front / Rear Anti-Sway-Bars, Custom CAI, Sprint Manifold
Restoration Thread
Comments Thread
Other Cars:
'09 Pontiac G8 GT (Panther Black) "Jet"
'06 Pontiac Solstice (Envious Green) "Mina"
'99 Oldsmobile Intrigue GLS (Black Onyx) "Raven"
Are we looking at an under body swap? Looks like it is feasible. Looks like all is needed is a fender flare kit.Originally Posted by newman27
It seems to me that the one dimension that makes the classic GT look smaller than modern cars is its overall width. Otherwise, it is in the ballpark in all other dimensions and has an advantage in curbweight (assuming lighter = better!)
Matt
Arguing online is the same as racing in the Special Olympics;
no matter who wins, you're both still retarded.
Matt do you have the weight distribution specs for comparison?
That might tell the real story.
Tinkering is my name..fun is the game
This and that
A couple of these cars did list the percentage of front and rear weight distribution. They're in that near perfect range of 50 / 50 or close to it (51 / 49). I recall when I was looking at the Solstice that Pontiac made a big point of that stat.
I know the Opel GT (classic) is "front heavy" contributing to understeer (I think I have that right). However, a few magazine articles I have read indicate that Opel did think of this when they designed the GT and did the best they could to balance the car's front and rear weight distribution by moving the engine back toward the center of the car.
Matt
'72 Opel GT (Fireglow Orange) "Sara"
Third Owner, Purchased in 1986
Current Status: Fully Restored
Major Mods: Weber Carb, High Compression Pistons, Electronic Ignition, XM Radio / CD, ADDCO Front / Rear Anti-Sway-Bars, Custom CAI, Sprint Manifold
Restoration Thread
Comments Thread
Other Cars:
'09 Pontiac G8 GT (Panther Black) "Jet"
'06 Pontiac Solstice (Envious Green) "Mina"
'99 Oldsmobile Intrigue GLS (Black Onyx) "Raven"
That would rock! Drop a classic GT body on an S2000 chassis. Probably easier than trying to fit all the s2000 parts (drive train, brakes, etc.) on a classic GT and then worry about your weakest link that will break from all the power.
Anyone got $50K I can have to work on this?
Born to Drive
73 GT
Sport suspension, lowered 2", polyurethane bushings, Koni Reds, adjustable pan hard rod, 215/40/16 on 16x7.5" front and 16x9" rear ESM wheels, Ported intake, custom cold air intake, sprint exhaust manifold, 2" free flow exhaust, 4-core radiator, Getrag 5-speed, Momo steering wheel, Saks heavy duty clutch, Euro style driving lights, tinted windows, seats from Acura Integra, 3 point retractable seat belts from a '75 Manta, flush mount aircraft style gas cap
No 50K here but
move the battery to the pass. side rear
drop the engine and trans an inch or so(lower center of gravity)
and some how relocate the rad. to the rear with a full tank of fuel.
Might be close to 50/50
Tinkering is my name..fun is the game
This and that
I happen to know where a GT with complete Miata front and rear suspensions already grafted in is sitting for sale, waiting on someone to finish the project.
You know, for comparison purposes....
Last edited by oldopelguy; 02-06-2008 at 08:06 PM.
1958 Rekord Sedan, 1958 Olympia Wagon, 1959 Opel Olympia Sedan, 1967 Kadett Coupe, 1967 Admiral Sedan 4L CIH-6, 1968 Kadett fastback 1.1L, 1970 Kadett Wagon Turbo 2.2L, 1971 Kadett Sedan 1.1L, 1975 Manta Wagon 4.3L V-6
I have a comparison for you guys!!! Right after i bought my GT, My buddy thought it would be funny to go to the local park and line them up in the parking lot.. Here is what it looks like parked by his F150...
Currently in Daytona Beach, FL working towards my Bachelor's in Aeronautical Sciences (Professional Pilot).
I realize how irrelevant that post was, but hey we are talking comparisons... and well, everyone wants to show off their GT to each other
Currently in Daytona Beach, FL working towards my Bachelor's in Aeronautical Sciences (Professional Pilot).
I like what I see here. Can you get more pics of this setup?
Arguing online is the same as racing in the Special Olympics;
no matter who wins, you're both still retarded.
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