Three vehicles, the 80 GTE, Kadett GT/E, and Passat GLI, demonstrate impressive versatility in their head-to-head competition.
In the 1970s, three family sports cars emerged that captured the hearts of enthusiasts and left a lasting impact on the automotive world. These iconic vehicles were the VW Passat GLI, Audi 80 GTE, and Opel Kadett GT/E.
The VW Passat GLI, produced from 1973 to 1980, was a 4-door sedan that rolled off the assembly line in an impressive 552,200 units. Known for its somewhat quirky, yet individual, look, the Passat GLI offered a lavish equipment package paired with a legendary engine. The car boasted internally ventilated discs on the front axle, a rear spoiler to reduce lift at the rear of the car, and a 1.6-liter injection engine with 110 PS (81 kW). Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h took 9.8 seconds, and the top speed was a impressive 184 km/h. The base price in 1979 was 16,335 Mark.
The Opel Kadett GT/E, launched in 1973, was a fixed size in the market and on German roads by the time the Audi 80 and VW Passat were introduced. Unlike many cars in the 70s that relied on front-wheel drive, the Opel Kadett GT/E boasted a rear-wheel drive setup. The car's first version had a 1.9-liter engine with 105 PS (77 kW), but for the facelift, it was upgraded to 2 liters and 115 PS (85 kW). The Opel Kadett GT/E offered a wider range for various purposes, positioning below the Audi segment, and was a true family friend, but it could also become a reckless sports car.
The Audi 80 GTE, known for its mostly black bonnet, dual headlights, and rear spoiler, was a predecessor to the brand's later direction, having been on the market the previous year. The facelift version of the Audi 80 GTE featured a thin front lip and a badge on the rear.
As the VW Passat B1 series faced its successor, the Passat GLI was retrieved from obscurity for possible top model consideration. The Passat GLI's equipment was based on the GL package and included a safety glass windshield, brake force regulator, and 175/70 tires. The car's front axle was equipped with stiffer dampers and slightly harder springs, promising impressive performance in combination with the low vehicle weight.
Each of these family sports cars from the 1970s, produced by Audi, Opel, and Volkswagen, has a unique place in automotive history. Although the VW Passat GLI is largely unknown and perhaps misunderstood in this comparison, it remains a testament to the passion and innovation that drove the automotive industry during this era.
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