West Germany vs Germany — 1981 vs 1983
| Manta 400 Rally Homologation | Manta 400 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 144 hp | 144 hp |
| Torque | 155 lb-ft | 150 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,420 cc | 2,410 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.5 sec | 7.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 129 mph | 126 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.0 sec | 16.0 sec |
| Weight | 2,337 lbs | 2,381 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,518 mm | 2,575 mm |
| Length | 4,470 mm | 4,380 mm |
| Units Produced | 245 | 245 |
| Original MSRP | — | $22,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $200,000 | $85,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 9/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1981 Opel Manta 400 Rally Homologation brings higher top speed to the table, and the 1983 Opel Manta 400 answers with quicker acceleration, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Opel Manta 400. The 1981 and 1983 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1981 Opel Manta 400 Rally Homologation producing 144 hp and the 1983 Opel Manta 400 delivering 144 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Opel Manta 400 uses a Inline-4 DOHC 16V displacing 2,420 cc, while the Opel Manta relies on a Inline-4 with 2,410 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1983 Opel Manta 400 edges ahead at 7.8 seconds versus 8.5 seconds. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.