CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Vauxhall Cavalier

Vauxhall Cavalier — 2-door coupé 2-door saloon 4-door saloon 3-door hatchback, 1256 cc OHV I4; 1584 cc ''Opel CIH'' I4; 1896 cc ''Opel CIH'' I4; 1979 cc ''Opel CIH'' I4. Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Engine1256 cc OHV I4; 1584 cc ''Opel CIH'' I4; 1896 cc ''Opel CIH'' I4; 1979 cc ''Opel CIH'' I4

Transmission4-speed manual3-speed automatic

About the Vauxhall Cavalier

Vauxhall Cavalier is a 2-door coupé 2-door saloon 4-door saloon 3-door hatchback in the large family car class. The available vehicle data lists 1256 cc OHV I4; 1584 cc ''Opel CIH'' I4; 1896 cc ''Opel CIH'' I4; 1979 cc ''Opel CIH'' I4 as an engine configuration, paired with 4-speed manual3-speed automatic and a FR layout (1975–1981)Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive (1981–1995)AWD (1988–1995) layout. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This Vauxhall Cavalier guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for 1256 cc OHV I4; 1584 cc ''Opel CIH'' I4; 1896 cc ''Opel CIH'' I4; 1979 cc ''Opel CIH'' I4 and 4-speed manual3-speed automatic transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

Vauxhall Cavalier specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make	Vauxhall
Model	Cavalier
Model years	Not specified
Body style	2-door coupé 2-door saloon 4-door saloon 3-door hatchback
Vehicle class	Large family car
Manufacturer	Vauxhall (General Motors)
Production	1975–1995
Market / country	FI, GB, NL, NZ

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the Vauxhall Cavalier includes 1256 cc OHV I4; 1584 cc ''Opel CIH'' I4; 1896 cc ''Opel CIH'' I4; 1979 cc ''Opel CIH'' I4.. Transmission information includes 4-speed manual3-speed automatic.. The listed drivetrain/layout is FR layout (1975–1981)Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive (1981–1995)AWD (1988–1995).

Engine	1256 cc OHV I4; 1584 cc ''Opel CIH'' I4; 1896 cc ''Opel CIH'' I4; 1979 cc ''Opel CIH'' I4
Transmission	4-speed manual3-speed automatic
Drivetrain / layout	FR layout (1975–1981)Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive (1981–1995)AWD (1988–1995)

Dimensions, weight and practicality

Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.

Length	175 in (4,445 mm)
Width	65 in (1,651 mm)
Height	54.5 in (1,384 mm)

Vauxhall Cavalier other specifications

Name	Vauxhall Cavalier
Image	1994.vauxhall.cavalier.ls.arp.jpg
Caption	1994 Vauxhall Cavalier LS
Aka	Opel Ascona B (Mk1)Opel Ascona C (Mk2)Opel Vectra A (Mk3)

Vauxhall Cavalier generations and model years

Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.

Generation / scope	Years	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain
Vauxhall Cavalier	1975–1995	Not specified	Not specified	FR layout (1975–1981)Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive (1981–1995)AWD (1988–1995)
Cavalier Mark I	November 1975 – September 1981	1256 cc OHV I4; 1584 cc ''Opel CIH'' I4; 1896 cc ''Opel CIH'' I4; 1979 cc ''Opel CIH'' I4	4-speed manual3-speed automatic	FR layout
Cavalier Mark II	August 1981 – October 1988March 1983 – September 1996 (Brazil)	1297 cc ''Family I'' I4; 1598 cc ''Family II'' I4; 1796 cc ''Family II'' I4; 1998 cc ''Family II'' I4	Not specified	Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Cavalier Mark III	October 1988 – October 1995 (Pre 1992 facelift)	Not specified	Not specified	FF layout/AWD

TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Vauxhall Cavalier

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load34 PSI front32 PSI rear

Fully loaded36 PSI front35 PSI rear

Load condition	Front	Rear	Status
Normal	34 PSI	32 PSI	Estimate
Fully loaded	36 PSI	35 PSI	Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about Vauxhall Cavalier

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What engine does the Vauxhall Cavalier have?

The available source data lists the Vauxhall Cavalier engine as 1256 cc OHV I4; 1584 cc ''Opel CIH'' I4; 1896 cc ''Opel CIH'' I4; 1979 cc ''Opel CIH'' I4. Engine availability can differ by model year and market.

What tire pressure should I use for the Vauxhall Cavalier?

For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 34 PSI front and 32 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.

What is the best engine oil for the Vauxhall Cavalier?

There is no single best engine oil for every Vauxhall Cavalier configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.

What body style is the Vauxhall Cavalier?

The Vauxhall Cavalier is classified as a 2-door coupé 2-door saloon 4-door saloon 3-door hatchback.

What are the dimensions of the Vauxhall Cavalier?

The available source data lists length 175 in (4,445 mm), width 65 in (1,651 mm), and height 54.5 in (1,384 mm).

What transmission does the Vauxhall Cavalier have?

The available source data lists 4-speed manual3-speed automatic transmission options for the Vauxhall Cavalier.

Is the Vauxhall Cavalier FWD, RWD or AWD?

The listed drivetrain/layout for the Vauxhall Cavalier is FR layout (1975–1981)Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive (1981–1995)AWD (1988–1995).

Who makes the Vauxhall Cavalier?

The manufacturer listed for the Vauxhall Cavalier is Vauxhall (General Motors).

When was the Vauxhall Cavalier produced?

The available source data describes production as 1975–1995.

Where was the Vauxhall Cavalier built?

The available source record lists assembly information as Luton, United KingdomAntwerp, BelgiumBochum, West GermanyPort Elizabeth, South Africa (Chevrolet Chevair).

What class of car is the Vauxhall Cavalier?

The Vauxhall Cavalier is listed in the Large family car class.

What platform does the Vauxhall Cavalier use?

The available source data lists the platform/chassis as J-body.

Which markets or countries sold the Vauxhall Cavalier?

The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Vauxhall Cavalier with FI, GB, NL, NZ. Market availability and specifications can differ.

What came after the Vauxhall Cavalier?

The available vehicle data lists Vauxhall Vectra as a successor where applicable.

What cars are related to the Vauxhall Cavalier?

The available source data identifies related models as Opel Ascona BOpel Manta B. Relationships can vary by market and generation.

How often should I check the tire pressure on the Vauxhall Cavalier?

Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the Vauxhall Cavalier?

No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.

Does the recommended tire pressure change when the Vauxhall Cavalier is fully loaded?

It can. Many vehicles specify a different cold pressure for heavier loads. Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the exact loading condition.

Can the Vauxhall Cavalier have different tire pressures front and rear?

Yes. Some vehicles specify different front and rear pressures because axle loads and vehicle configurations differ. Follow the exact vehicle recommendation where available.

Why can mileage differ from the published figure for the Vauxhall Cavalier?

Published fuel economy is measured under a defined test method. Real-world mileage can vary with traffic, speed, temperature, tire pressure, payload, maintenance and driving style.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.

Vauxhall Cavalier images

Vehicle images are shown from the stored source image records when available.