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- 1978 Giulietta (116)
Alfa Romeo1978 Alfa Romeo Giulietta (116) Dimensions, Size & Specs| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1978 |
| Production Years: | 1977 - 1985 discontinued in 1985 |
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta (116) is a classic sedan produced between 1977 and 1985, representing the Italian brand's commitment to elegant and sporty design in the compact executive car segment. Launched as the successor to earlier Giulietta models, the 116 generation combined traditional Italian styling cues with contemporary engineering suitable for its era. Though detailed specific dimensions for this generation are less commonly cited, the Giulietta (116) typically featured a compact and agile sedan footprint, catering to both urban driving and spirited cruising. Italian sedans of this period generally measured in the mid-size range, with approximate lengths of around 4,400 mm (173 in), widths near 1,650 mm (65 in), and heights around 1,400 mm (55 in), though slight variations are typical based on trim and market. The weight was moderate, aligning with European compact executive cars of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Under the hood, the Giulietta (116) offered various engine configurations that balanced performance with everyday usability, embracing Alfa Romeo's sporty heritage. Its production span from the late 1970s into the mid-1980s places the car within a transformative era for the automotive industry, blending classic design with evolving technology. Today, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta (116) remains appreciated by collectors and enthusiasts for its timeless Italian design, driving dynamics, and its role in Alfa Romeo's storied history. When comparing size, it slots comfortably within the compact executive sedan category, making it an important reference point for those interested in classic European car sizes and design evolution.
Discover the standout features that make the 1978 Alfa Romeo Giulietta a leader in its class
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The Alfa Romeo Giulietta (116) sedan produced from 1977 to 1985 has the following exterior dimensions: it measures approximately 4,250 mm (167.3 inches) in length, about 1,630 mm (64.2 inches) in width, and stands around 1,310 mm (51.6 inches) tall. These dimensions reflect a compact yet practical sedan size typical of late 1970s European cars, offering a balanced footprint for urban and suburban driving without being overly bulky.
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta (116) features a wheelbase of roughly 2,490 mm (98.0 inches). A longer wheelbase generally contributes to increased interior space, especially for rear passengers, and tends to improve ride comfort by providing better stability and smoother handling over road irregularities. In the Giulietta's case, this wheelbase length strikes a good balance, offering a comfortable cabin environment with decent legroom for a compact sedan of its era.
The curb weight of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta (116) sedan is approximately 1,050 to 1,120 kg (2,315 to 2,470 lbs), depending on specific trim and engine options. This relatively light weight helps to enhance the car's agility, acceleration, and handling responsiveness. Additionally, a lighter vehicle generally benefits from better fuel economy, which was advantageous in the late 1970s and early 1980s when efficiency became increasingly important.
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta (116) provides a compact passenger compartment typical of sedans from its era, comfortably seating up to five people with adequate front and rear legroom. Cargo capacity is moderate, with a trunk volume that accommodates daily luggage and groceries but isn’t extensive by modern standards. Exact trunk volume measurements are not commonly documented, but the design focuses more on style and driving experience rather than maximizing utility.
Yes, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta (116), with its length of approximately 4,250 mm (167.3 inches or about 13.9 feet) and width around 1,630 mm (64.2 inches or roughly 5.35 feet), will comfortably fit into a standard residential garage. Most single-car garages have internal dimensions around 2.4 to 2.7 meters in width and about 5.5 to 6 meters in length, which provides ample space to park the Giulietta as well as room to maneuver around it.
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta (116) introduced in 1977 is larger and more modern compared to the original Giulietta produced in the mid-1950s to early 1960s. The 116 generation is longer and wider, offering improved interior space and comfort. The original Giulietta measured approximately 4,020 mm (158.3 inches) in length, making the 116 about 230 mm (9 inches) longer. This dimensional increase reflects Alfa Romeo’s intention to create a more practical, family-oriented sedan while maintaining sporty styling and driving characteristics.
When compared to other compact sedans of its time, such as the BMW 3 Series (E21) or the Audi 80 B2, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta (116) is quite competitive in size. With a length of approximately 4.25 meters (167.3 inches) and a width of around 1.63 meters (64.2 inches), it fits well within the segment's standard dimensions. The Giulietta offers a slightly sportier and distinctive Italian design focus, often appealing to buyers interested in stylish driving dynamics rather than just utilitarian space.
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta (116) stands at approximately 1,310 mm (51.6 inches) in height. While specific ground clearance figures vary slightly depending on suspension setup and tire size, it generally offers a ground clearance around 140 to 160 mm (5.5 to 6.3 inches). This height and ground clearance combination is adequate for urban driving and occasional rough surfaces, providing a good balance between sporty handling and everyday usability.
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta (116) and the Alfetta, produced around the same period, share some similar compact sedan characteristics but differ in size and weight. The Giulietta is slightly smaller, with a length of 4,250 mm (167.3 inches) compared to the Alfetta’s approximately 4,230 to 4,410 mm (166.5 to 173.6 inches) depending on body style. Weight-wise, the Giulietta is lighter, weighing approximately 1,050 to 1,120 kg (2,315 to 2,470 lbs), whereas the Alfetta tends to be heavier due to larger engines and more substantial chassis components, often weighing around 1,100 to 1,300 kg (2,425 to 2,866 lbs). The Giulietta’s smaller, lighter nature emphasizes nimble handling and economy, while the Alfetta leans towards sportier performance and more advanced engineering.
During its production run from 1977 to 1985, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta (116) was offered with a range of four-cylinder gasoline engines, typically ranging from 1.3 to 1.8 liters in displacement. These engines were known for their lively performance, combining Alfa Romeo's signature twin-cam design with adequate horsepower (from about 75 to 118 hp depending on engine version), promoting a sporty driving experience in a compact sedan package. Transmission options usually included a 5-speed manual gearbox, contributing to its reputation as a driver's car. Despite its modest power output by modern standards, the combination of lightweight body and responsive engine made it a well-regarded choice among enthusiasts for both everyday use and spirited driving.
