Faults:

Original suspension setup is too soft for the dynamic character of the GT trim, resulting in a very floaty feel or a lack of composure in corners.

The lower sections, wheel arches, and especially the rocker panels (which are concealed behind the plastic side moldings) tend to accumulate moisture and suffer from severe corrosion.

Cabin materials and seat edges suffer from the passage of time and exposure to the sun.

Brakes rebuilt.

The timing belt snapped.

General Comments:

I think the Kadett GT was an unfairly overlooked car, given its impressive performance for the late 80s. At the very least, it didn't enjoy the same popularity as the Escort RS or Golf GTi of that era.

The car itself was quite fast; theoretically, it could reach 200 km/h (I never tested it, but I believe it). Thanks to its power steering, it handled quite well and was easy to drive. It braked well, too—although, as I mentioned earlier, the brakes gave out shortly before the 100,000 km mark. Well, it was bound to have "some" issues...

It proves to be a particularly understated car, a quality aided by its light weight and excellent aerodynamics. The clear conclusion is that, from any perspective involving its mechanicals, the GT is an absolutely impeccable vehicle, boasting a truly enviable balance of performance, fuel economy, and price.

If it was one of the best-selling cars of its time, that was partly due to its robust bodywork; rust was the only issue, something common in cars from that era, but it really stood the test of time. It was an understated car, free of unnecessary frills but well-built, which is what matters most.

The suspension itself is good, and the relative stiffness of the springs is in line with the suspension setups we have come to expect from German cars. Cornering behavior is excellent, perhaps with a bit more understeer than purists might prefer, though not as much as in the hatchback versions, since the inertia of the rear end helps the car turn once it has entered the bend (a process aided significantly by the quick, light power steering).

It might seem obsolete nowadays in terms of performance and fuel economy (and, in fact, it is), but back when I owned it, it met my expectations quite well; despite being the sporty version, it was just as affordable, and its parts just as cheap, as the base-model Kadett. It was a great car when looking back, especially for those of us who got to enjoy driving one. There must be very few left today, if any at all, at least here in Sweden.

Faults:

Replaced fuel pump and air flow meter (MAF), because poor performance and economy.

On 290000 km- general repair of engine, it was very cheap not abov 350e...

Also needed new paint job and some new body work part, not so cheap 400e...

General Comments:

In general it is very thanks-full car, low cost of repairs and maintains, very good performance, mostly because it weight only 920 kg...

Because I like sport driving, I swapped my engine for 2.0 8v GSi engine, lowered springs for 55mm in front and 30mm behind (APEX Street Race Kit),place new anti-roll bar in front (EIBACH),and replaced front brakes from GSI model.

Then I modified engine with fully prohrom exhaust, with 0-approbation muffler, also I fitted K&N 75i kit, and finally replaced the mass air flow meter with one from BMW 325i 91' model.

Combination of all that producted engine power of 147 HP at 7200 rpm, all measured on Dyno Test.

Chassis didn't need much modification because the new engine is only 50 kg heavier then originally engine, and one MOMO strut-brace in front was enough.

402m street race (also called 1/4 mile) time is underneath 15 seconds.