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 Specifications

 

 Drag Coefficients

Drag Coefficient

CD

Frontal Area

A[m2]

CDA

[m2]

0.46 - 0.49 1.86 0.89 - 0.91
 Towing
Flat-towing your Cabriolet
Manual Transmission
  • Transmission must be in neutral
  • Do not exceed 50mph, or
  • Do not exceed 50 miles in towing distance
  • Tow bars may damage Cabriolets with the Clipper kit
  • Be wary of the locking steering column

If towing long-distance, it's best to use a tow dolly or flatbed.

Automatic Transmission
  • Transmission must be in neutral
  • Do not tow the car backwards!
  • Do not exceed 30mph, or
  • Do not exceed 30 miles in distance
  • Tow bars may damage Cabriolets with the Clipper kit
  • Be wary of the locking steering column

If the limits must be exceeded, use a tow dolly or flatbed; failure to do so could result in damage to the transmission.

Using tow dollies
Manual and Automatic Transmissions
  • Front wheels must be on the dolly (do not tow the car backwards!)
  • Transmission should be in neutral
Towing with Your Cabriolet

Volkswagen® recommends that you not use your Cabriolet as a tow vehicle.  If you must use your Cabriolet as a tow vehicle:

  • Do not exceed 1000 pounds in trailer weight.

  • Do not exceed 165 pounds in tongue weight.

  • Using a trailer with trailer brakes is advised for safety reasons.

Tow hitch suppliers:

 Model-year Specifications/Changes   

Model Year

Engine Code

Fuel Inj.

Displ.

Fuel Capacity

Headlight grille

Clipper kit

Spare tire

Wheel Size

Weight*

Length

1980

EJ

CIS

1.6L

10.6 gal.

Single-round

No

Full-size

5Jx13

2236 lbs.

155.3"

1981

EN

CIS

1.7L

10.6 gal.

Single-round

No

Full-size

5Jx13

2246 lbs.

155.3"

1982

EN

CIS

1.7L

10.6 gal.

Single-round

No

Full-size

5Jx13

2246 lbs.

155.3"

1983

EN

CIS

1.7L

10.6 gal.

Single-round

No

Full-size

5Jx13

5½Jx13

2251 lbs.

155.3"

1984

JH

CIS

1.8L

10.6 gal.

Single-round

No

Full-size

5½Jx13

2276 lbs.

159.3"

1984.5

JH

CIS

1.8L

13.8 gal.

Single-round

No

Donut

5½Jx13

2276 lbs.

159.3"

1985

JH

CIS

1.8L

13.8 gal.

Single-round

No

Donut

5½Jx13

2276 lbs.

159.3"

1986

JH

CIS

1.8L

13.8 gal.

Single-round

No

Donut

5½Jx13

2254 lbs.

151.3"

1987

JH

CIS

1.8L

13.8 gal.

Single-round

No

Donut

5½Jx13

2254 lbs.

151.3"

1988

JH

CIS

1.8L

13.8 gal.

Dual-round

Yes

Donut

5½Jx13

2307 lbs.

153.1"

1989

JH

CIS

1.8L

13.8 gal.

Dual-round

Yes

Donut

6Jx14

2307 lbs.

153.1"

1990

2H

Digifant

1.8L

13.8 gal.

Dual-round

Yes

Donut

6Jx14

2330 lbs.

153.1"

1991

2H

Digifant

1.8L

13.8 gal.

Dual-round

Yes

Donut

6Jx14

2330 lbs.

153.1"

1992

2H

Digifant

1.8L

13.8 gal.

Dual-round

Yes

Donut

6Jx14

2330 lbs.

153.1"

1993

2H

Digifant

1.8L

13.8 gal.

Dual-round

Yes

Donut

6Jx14

2330 lbs.

153.1"

* Weights are approximate and are based on Cabriolets with manual transmissions and air conditioning.  Cabriolets with power steering, cruise control, power tops and/or automatic transmissions will have higher weights, depending on which of these options were installed; those without A/C will be slightly lighter.

For comparison purposes: Original (European), no frills GTI weighed 1850 lbs.; USA no frills GTI weighed 2011 lbs.

 Weights

Component

Approx. Weight

(lbs.)

8V engine 120
16V engine 160
020 transmission 75

Front seat:

Standard bucket

Sports bucket w/ height adjustment

 

35

37

Rear seat  

Aluminum North American bumper with solid brackets

Bumper over-rider

22

5

Clipper kit:

Front bumper

Rear bumper

Side skirts (pair)

Fender flares (set)

 

41

46

5.5

5

Euro bumper (plastic over metal) with brackets 15
Convertible top + frame  

Spare tire:

Full-size

Space-saver

 

Full tank of gasoline:

10.6 gallons

13.8 gallons

 

67

87

 Engine & Transmission Specifications   

Build Dates

Engine Code

Fuel Inj.

Displ.

hp

Cyl.

kW

Comps'n Ratio

Torque

(lb. ft.)

Trans. Code

Gear Box

Top Speed

0-60 mph

Firing Order

1980MY

EJ

CIS

1.6L

76 @ 5500rpm

4

55

8.2:1

83.0 @ 3200rpm

   

93mph

 

1-3-4-2

8/80-7/81

EN

CIS

1.7L

78 @ 5000rpm

4

57

8.2:1

89.6 @ 3000rpm

FF

5S

    1-3-4-2

8/81-7/83

EN

CIS

1.7L

78 @ 5000rpm

4

57

8.2:1

89.6 @ 3000rpm

FN

5S

    1-3-4-2

8/80-12/82

EN

CIS

1.7L

78 @ 5000rpm

4

57

8.2:1

89.6 @ 3000rpm

TB

3A

    1-3-4-2

10/82-7/83

EN

CIS

1.7L

78 @ 5000rpm

4

57

8.2:1

89.6 @ 3000rpm

TF

3A

    1-3-4-2

8/83-6/84

JH

CIS

1.8L

95 @ 5500rpm

4

70

8.5:1

105 @ 3000rpm

4K

5S

103mph 11 sec. 1-3-4-2

8/83-8/84

JH

CIS

1.8L

95 @ 5500rpm

4

70

8.5:1

105 @ 3000rpm

TN

3A

100mph 13 sec. 1-3-4-2

7/84-9/87

JH

CIS

1.8L

95 @ 5500rpm

4

70

8.5:1

105 @ 3000rpm

9A

5S

103mph

11 sec.

1-3-4-2

9/84-7/89

JH

CIS

1.8L

95 @ 5500rpm

4

70

8.5:1

105 @ 3000rpm

TNA

3A

100mph  13 sec. 1-3-4-2

10/87-7/89

JH

CIS

1.8L

95 @ 5500rpm

4

70

8.5:1

105 @ 3000rpm

ACD

5S

103mph 11 sec. 1-3-4-2

8/89-7/93

2H

Digifant

1.8L

98 @ 5400rpm

4

72

10:1

105 @ 3000rpm

AUG

5S

102mph

 

1-3-4-2

8/89-7/93

2H

Digifant

1.8L

98 @ 5400rpm

4

72

10:1

105 @ 3000rpm

TNA

3A

99mph

 

1-3-4-2

 Engine & Transmission Specifications 

Build Dates

Engine Code

Fuel Inj.

Cat/OXS

Displ.

hp

Cyl.

kW

Comps'n Ratio

Torque

(lb. ft.)

Trans. Code

Gear Box

Top Speed

0-100 km/h

Only For:

Firing Order

8/82-7/83

DX

CIS,

K-Jetronic

No/No

1.8L

112 @ 5800rpm

4

82

10:1 113 @ 3500rpm

7G

5S

173 km/h

9.4 sec.

  1-3-4-2

8/83-7/92

DX

CIS,

K-Jetronic

No/No

1.8L

112 @ 5800rpm

4

82

10:1 113 @ 3500rpm

ACD

AUG

4Y

9A

5S

5S

5S

5S

173 km/h

9.4 sec.

 

1-3-4-2

1/79-7/82

EG

CIS,

K-Jetronic

No/No

1.6L

110 @ 6100 rpm

4

81

9.5:1 103 @ 5000rpm

GE

FM

FH

FF

FD

4S

5S

5S

5S

5S

172 km/h

10.2 sec.

  1-3-4-2

8/79-7/83

EM

Carburetor No/No

1.6L

75

4

55

   

EQ

FF

GC

3A

5S

4S

 

 

1-3-4-2

8/83-7/92

EW

Carburetor

No/No

1.6L

75 @ 5000rpm

4

55

9:1 92 @ 2500rpm

4R

4T

TK

TKA

4S

5S

3A

3A

154 km/h

154 km/h

149 km/h

149 km/h

13.2 sec.

13.2 sec.

15.4 sec.

15.4 sec.

 

1-3-4-2

8/83-7/93

EX

Carburetor

No/No

1.8L

90 @ 5200rpm

4

66

9:1 107 @ 3300rpm

AEN

AUG

4T

TJA

TJD

5S

5S

5S

3A

3A

164 km/h

164 km/h

164 km/h

159 km/h

159 km/h

11 sec.

11 sec.

11 sec.

13.2 sec.

13.2 sec.

 

1-3-4-2

1/79-7/79

FA

Carburetor

No/No

1.1L

50 @ 6000rpm

4

37

8:1

80 @ 3000rpm

GF

4S

 

 

 

1-3-4-2

1/79-7/79

FN

Carburetor

No/No

1.6L

75

4

55

 

 

GC

EQ

4S

3A

 

 

  1-3-4-2

1/79-7/79

FV

Carburetor

No/No

1.6L

65 @ 5600rpm

4

48

7:1

82 @ 3000rpm

GC

EQ

FF

4S

3A

5S

 

 

  1-3-4-2

8/79-7/83

GG

Carburetor No/No

1.1L

50 @ 6000rpm

4

37

9.7:1 82 @ 3300rpm

GF

GW

MA

QR

4S

4S

4S

4S

 

 

  1-3-4-2

8/79-7/80

GH

Carburetor No/No

1.5L

65

4

48

   

EV

FF

GC

3A

5S

4S

 

 

 

1-3-4-2

8/83-7/86

HK

Carburetor No/No

1.3L

55 @ 5400rpm

4

40

9.5:1 71 @ 3300rpm

GU

GV

4S

4S

 

 

  1-3-4-2

8/83-7/86

HN

Carburetor No/No

1.6L

75

4

55

   

TK

TKA

4R

4T

3A

3A

4S

5S

 

 

1-3-4-2

1/79-7/83

JB

Carburetor

No/No

1.5L

70 @ 5600rpm

4

51

8.2:1 81 @ 2500rpm

EV

FF

GC

3A

5S

4S

145 km/h

150 km/h

150 km/h

16.3 sec.

14.3 sec.

14.3 sec.

1-3-4-2

8/83-7/93

JH

CIS,

K-Jetronic

Yes/Yes

1.8L

95 @ 5500rpm

4

70

8.5:1

105 @ 3000rpm

ACD

AUG

9A

TN

TNA

TNC

5S

5S

5S

3A

3A

3A

166 km/h

11 sec.

11 sec.

11 sec.

13.4 sec.

13.4 sec.

13.4 sec.

 

1-3-4-2

8/91-7/93

JH

CIS,

K-Jetronic

Yes/Yes

1.8L

95 @ 5500rpm

4

70

8.5:1

105 @ 3000rpm

AUG

TNA

TNC

5S

3A

3A

166 km/h

11 sec.

13.4 sec.

13.4 sec.

1-3-4-2

8/82-7/83

JJ

CIS,

K-Jetronic

No/No

1.8L

112 @ 5800rpm

4

82

   

7G

5S

 

 

1-3-4-2

8/83-7/89

KT

CIS,

K-Jetronic

No/No

1.8L

112 @ 5800rpm

4

82

10:1

114 @ 5800rpm

ACD

4Y

9A

5S

5S

5S

 

 

1-3-4-2

8/86-7/89

KT

CIS,

K-Jetronic

No/No

1.8L

112 @ 5800rpm

4

82

10:1

114 @ 5800rpm

ACD

5S

 

 

1-3-4-2

4/86-7/90

RE

Carburetor

Yes/No

1.6L

98 @ 5400rpm

4

53

9:1 142Nm @ 3000rpm

4R

4T

TK

TKA

4S

5S

3A

3A

154 km/h

166 km/h

161 km/h

161 km/h

13.2 sec.

9.6 sec.

10.9 sec.

10.9 sec.

 

1-3-4-2

8/89-7/93

2H

Digifant

Yes/Yes

1.8L

98 @ 5400rpm

4

72

10:1

105 @ 3000rpm

AUG

TNA

TNC

5S

3A

3A

166 km/h

161 km/h

161 km/h

11 sec.

13.4 sec.

13.4 sec.

 

1-3-4-2

 Dimensions & Mileage Specifications
Year Exterior Dimensions Interior Dimensions Fuel
1980-1984

Length: 155.3 inches, 159.3 ('84)

Width: 63.4 inches

Height: 55.5 inches

Wheelbase: 94.5 inches

Ground clearance: 4.8 inches

Turn radius: 31.2 ft., curb to curb

Front head room: 37.4 inches

Front leg room: 39.4 inches

Trunk capacity: 6.5 cubic feet

Max. seating capacity: 4

MPG estimates:

Manual: 27 city/40 hwy.

Auto: unavailable

 

Range in miles:

Manual:

Auto:

1984.5-1985

Length: 159.3 inches

Width: 64.2 inches

Height: 55.6 inches

Wheelbase: 94.5 inches

Ground clearance: 4.9 inches

Turn radius: 31.2 ft., curb to curb

Front head room: 37.4 inches

Front leg room: 39.4 inches

Trunk capacity: 6.5 cubic feet

Max. seating capacity: 4

MPG estimates:

Manual: 24 city/29 hwy.

Auto: 23 city/25 hwy.

 

Range in miles:

Manual: 345 city/441 hwy.

Auto: 317 city/386 hwy.

1986-1987

Length: 151.3 inches

Width: 64.2 inches

Height: 55.6 inches

Wheelbase: 94.5 inches

Ground clearance: 4.9 inches

Turn radius: 31.2 ft., curb to curb

Front head room: 37.4 inches

Front leg room: 39.4 inches

Trunk capacity: 6.5 cubic feet

Max. seating capacity: 4

MPG estimates:

Manual: 24 city/29 hwy.

Auto: 23 city/25 hwy.

 

Range in miles:

Manual: 345 city/441 hwy.

Auto: 317 city/386 hwy.

1988-1993

Length: 153.1 inches

Width: 64.6 inches

Height: 55.6 inches

Wheelbase: 94.5 inches

Ground clearance: 4.9 inches

Turn radius: 31.2 ft., curb to curb

Front head room: 37.4 inches

Front leg room: 39.4 inches

Trunk capacity: 6.5 cubic feet

Max. seating capacity: 4

 

 

Drag coefficient: 0.46

MPG estimates:

Manual: 24 city/27 hwy.

Auto: 22 city/24 hwy.

 

Range in miles:

Manual: 345 city/441 hwy.

Auto: 317 city/386 hwy.

Dimensional Schematics

56K warning!

56K warning!

56K warning!

56K warning!

56K warning!

Thanks to "tolusina" of VWvortex for supplying the above images.
 Torque Specifications
Engine Bolt/Nut Nm ft. lb.
Air connection to cylinder head 10 87 in. lb.
Alternator adjusting bracket to engine 20 15
Alternator to adjusting bracket of vehicle 35 26
Alternator to lower mounting of vehicle 35 26
Camshaft bearing caps to cylinder head 20 15
Camshaft drive belt sprocket to camshaft or intermediate shaft 80 59
Camshaft drive belt tensioner locknut 45 33
Clutch pressure plate or auto trans drive plate to crankshaft 30 +¼ turn 22 +¼ turn
Connecting rod cap to connecting rod 30 +¼ turn 22 +¼ turn
Cover plate to transaxle 15 11
Crankshaft oil seal carrier to cylinder block: M6 bolt 10 87 in. lb.
Crankshaft oil seal carrier to cylinder block: M8 bolt 20 15
Crankshaft timing belt sprocket to crankshaft: Hex bolt w/ washer 150 111
Crankshaft timing belt sprocket to crankshaft: 12-point bolt w/o washer 90 66
Cylinder head cover to cylinder head 10 87 in. lb.
Cylinder head to engine block (engine cold) 60 +½ turn 43 +½ turn
Drive belt rear cover to stud in cylinder head (socket-head bolt) 30 22
Drive shaft to transaxle drive flange 42 30
Engine to transaxle bellhousing: M10 bolt 45 33
Engine to transaxle bellhousing: M12 bolt 75 55
Engine front mount to body 52 38
Engine right and left mounting to rubber 35 26
Engine/transaxle rear mount to engine 35 26
Fuel injector insert to cylinder head (w/ thread locking compound) 20 15
Intermediate shaft oil seal carrier to cylinder block 25 18
Manifolds to cylinder head 25 18
Main bearing caps to cylinder block 65 48
Oil cooler to oil filter flange 25 18
Oil filter mounting flange to engine cylinder block (socket-head bolt) 25 18
Oil pickup to oil pump housing cover 10 87 in. lb.
Oil pressure switches 25 18
Oil pan to cylinder block (hand tighten bolts when using rubber gasket) 20 15
Oil pan drain plug 30 22
Oil pump to cylinder block, M8 bolt 20 15
Oil pump cover bolt 10 87 in. lb.
Power steering pump to mount 20 15
Radiator shroud mounting to radiator 10 87 in. lb.
Spark plug 20 15
Starter to bellhousing (manual trans) 46 34
Torque converter to drive plate (w/ D6 locking compound) 35 26
Upper radiator mounts to body 10 87 in. lb.
V-belt pulleys to coolant pump or crankshaft sprocket 20 15
Cooling System Bolt/Nut Nm ft. lb.
Coolant outlet to cylinder head 10 87 in. lb.
Coolant pump housing to engine 20 15
Coolant pump pulley to coolant pump 20 15
Coolant pump to coolant pump housing 10 87 in. lb.
Coolant temp sending unit to cylinder head water outlet 10 87 in. lb.
Thermostat housing to coolant pump housing 10 87 in. lb.
Exhaust System Bolt/Nut Nm ft. lb.
CO tap tube clamp 10 87 in. lb.
CO tap tube union to exhaust manifold 20 15
Exhaust manifold to cylinder head 25 18
Exhaust pipe to exhaust manifold (2H engine) 40 30
Exhaust slip-joint clamps (JH engine) 25 18
Exhaust slip-joint clamps (2H engine) 40 30
Front pipe or intermediate pipe flange to catalytic converter (JH engine) 25 18
Heatshield mounting 40 30
Oxygen sensor 50 37
Manual Transmission Bolt/Nut Nm ft. lb.
Shift rod to selector lever (clamp bolt and nut) 20 15
Shift lever retaining plate to shift lever housing 8.5 74 in. lb.
Flywheel to clutch pressure plate 20 15
Gearshift lever housing to body 23 17
Relay shaft bracket to body 20 15
Relay lever to relay shaft 20 15
Selector shaft lever to selector shaft 13 10
Pressure plate to crankshaft 30 +¼ turn 20 +¼ turn
Flywheel to pressure plate 20 15
Clutch cable locknut to cable sleeve 4-6 36-48 in. lb.
Selector shaft cover 50 37
Driveshaft to drive flange (socket-head bolt) 45 33
Transaxle to engine, M12 bolt 80 59
Starter to transaxle, M10 bolt 60 44
Selector shaft detent plunger to transaxle housing 20 15
5th gear lockout plunger to transaxle housing (locknut) 20 15
Reverse gear/upshift light switch to transaxle 10 89 in. lb.
5th gear/release housing to transaxle case 25 18
5th gear synchronizer to main shaft 150 111
Transmission case cover 25 18
Pinion shaft bearing retaining plate to transmission case 40 30
Main shaft ball bearing clamping plate transmission case 15 11
Reverse gear relay lever supports to gear carrier housing 25 18
Transmission case to gear carrier housing 25 18
Reverse gear shaft lock bolt 30 22
Ring gear to differential housing bolt (repair kit only) 70 52
Automatic Transmission Bolt/Nut Nm ft. lb.
Driveshaft to drive flange (socket-head bolt) 45 33
Engine to transaxle 80 59
Locknut for 2nd gear brake band adjusting screw 20 15
Lower ball joint to wheel bearing housing (clamp bolt) 50 37
Main pressure tap plug in transmission case (threaded plug) 10 87 in. lb.
Protection plate to transaxle 24 17
Selector support to floor board 9.2 80 in. lb.
Selector lever cable to transmission operating lever 8 71 in. lb.
Starter to bellhousing 23 17
Throttle cable to valve cover 10 87 in. lb.
Torque converter to drive plate 30 22
Torque converter to cover plate to bellhousing 15 11
Transmission case to final drive housing 30 22
Suspension & Steering Bolt/Nut Nm ft. lb.
Ball joint: to control arm 25 18
Ball joint: to wheel bearing housing, clamping bolt 50 37
Brake caliper mounting bolts to front wheel bearing housing 40 29
Brake caliper mounting bolts to rear wheel bearing housing 65 48
CV joint to drive flange socket-head bolt 45 33
Control arms to body: front mounting point 70 52
Control arms to body: rear mounting point 45 33
Drive axle to front hub, self-locking axle nut 240 177
Front suspension strut: top mounting flange nut 20 15
Front suspension strut: to wheel bearing housing 80 59
Power steering: hose unions, pump to mounting bracket, pulley to shaft/flange 20 15
Rear axle beam: mounting bracket to body 45 33
Rear axle beam: pivot bolt 60 44
Rear stub axle (w/ brake backing plate or splash shield) to trailing arm 60 44
Shock absorber, rear: lower mount 45 33
Shock absorber, rear: upper mount 31.5 23
Spring retainer to rear shock absorber 20 15
Stabilizer bar to control arm 25 18
Steering column housing clamping socket-head bolts 10 89 in. lb.
Steering gear housing to body 30 22
Steering wheel to splined steering column shaft: cars without airbag 50 37
Steering wheel to splined steering column shaft: cars with airbag 40 30
Tie rod to steering rack: manual steering 50 37
Tie rod to steering rack: power steering 70 52
Tie rod end, outer: to steering arm; to tie rod 30 22
Universal joint shaft: to steering column; to steering gear pinion 30 22
Wheel lug bolts 110 81
Brakes Bolt/Nut Nm ft. lb.
Brake caliper (front) to wheel bearing housing 25 18
Brake disc splash shield to wheel bearing housing 10 87 in. lb.
Brake pad carrier (front) to wheel bearing housing 70 52
Brake caliper (rear) to brake pad carrier (self-locking bolt) 35 26
Brake pad carrier to stub axle flange 65 48
Brake hose to brake caliper 15 11
Brake hose to wheel cylinder 15 11
Brake hoses -- except to caliper or wheel cylinder 15-20 11-15
Brake line unions (union nuts) 15-20 11-15
Brake lines to master cylinder 15-20 11-15
Master cylinder to vacuum booster 21 15
Proportioning valves to master cylinder 15-20 11-15
Rear brake backing plate and stub axle to axle beam 60 44
Rear wheel cylinder to backing plate 10 87 in. lb.
Vacuum booster to support bracket 21 15

wtopw

The Fine Print


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