1968 Citroen ID III Dimensions, Size & Specs

The width of the Citroën ID III varies from 1791 mm to 1800 mm (about 70.5 to 70.9 inches), which offers a good balance between interior space and drivability. This width ensures comfortable seating for passengers without making the car overly bulky for the roads and parking spaces of its era. The broad stance also contributes to better stability when cornering. For a 1960s-70s sedan, these dimensions helped the ID III stand out with a confident road presence while remaining practical for everyday use.

The height of the Citroën ID III ranges from 1470 mm to 1473 mm (57.9 to 58 inches). This relatively moderate height offers ample headroom for most passengers, ensuring comfort during both short and long journeys. The sleek profile helped reduce aerodynamic drag for improved fuel efficiency compared to boxier cars of the same era. Despite its somewhat taller height compared to modern low-profile sedans, the ID III balances interior space and exterior aerodynamics effectively, which is a hallmark of Citroën's innovative design philosophy.

The Citroën ID III weighs between 1265 kg and 1295 kg (approximately 2790 to 2855 lbs) curb weight. This relatively lightweight for a mid-size sedan of its time contributed to nimble handling and decent fuel efficiency, as well as good braking performance. The weight balance was carefully managed to promote comfort-centric driving dynamics typical of Citroën's approach, with smooth suspension setups and steady control. It also allows the car's engine to perform efficiently while maintaining a smooth ride quality.

The maximum weight, also known as the gross vehicle weight (GVW), for the Citroën ID III is 1760 kg (approximately 3880 lbs). This figure includes the vehicle's curb weight plus passengers, fuel, luggage, and any additional cargo. Understanding this limit is important for safety and performance since exceeding the GVW can affect braking distances, suspension performance, and overall vehicle handling. The ID III's GVW is quite typical for a mid-size sedan from its production era, ensuring it can comfortably carry a full complement of occupants and luggage.

The Citroën ID III provides a generous luggage capacity of 496 liters (about 17.5 cubic feet). This sizable trunk space reflects the car's practical design focus and is quite competitive among mid-size sedans from the late 1960s and early 1970s. The large luggage space enabled comfortable long-distance travel for families or groups, indicating that the ID III was designed with utility in mind without compromising passenger comfort. The trunk space was a highlight for buyers seeking versatility alongside style.

The Citroën ID III features a ground clearance of 146 mm (approximately 5.75 inches). This moderate ride height is sufficient to handle typical road surfaces comfortably, including slight bumps and uneven pavements common in urban and rural environments of its time. The clearance supports stable handling without compromising the aerodynamic benefits of a relatively low profile. Moreover, it is enough to prevent frequent scraping during entrances to ramps or speed bumps, balancing drivability and the innovative suspension technology Citroën was known for.

The Citroën ID III, with its length around 4.83 to 4.87 meters (190.5 to 191.7 inches), width about 1.79 to 1.8 meters (70.5 to 70.9 inches), and height just under 1.5 meters (approximately 58 inches), fits well within the dimensions of a typical modern standard garage. Standard garages usually measure about 6 meters (20 feet) in length and around 2.4 to 3 meters (8 to 10 feet) in width, so the ID III has ample clearance for parking, opening doors, and maneuvering. Hence, owners of this classic sedan generally do not face size-related parking issues in typical residential garages.

The Citroën ID III built upon the foundation laid by the earlier ID and DS series models, offering improvements in size, comfort, and technology. It retained the iconic hydropneumatic suspension system, providing superior ride comfort. Dimensionally, the ID III was slightly larger than its immediate predecessors, especially in length and luggage capacity, enhancing passenger space and practicality. The ID III's design refinement included subtle changes for a more modern aesthetic and better aerodynamics. Overall, it represented an evolutionary step forward, improving usability and comfort while keeping the unique character of Citroën's classic ID line.

When compared to contemporary competitors like the Peugeot 504, Ford Cortina, or Vauxhall Victor, the Citroën ID III stood out for its distinctive combination of size, technology, and comfort. Its length of about 4.85 meters and generous interior space were competitive among mid-size sedans. The ID III's advanced hydropneumatic suspension system offered exceptional ride comfort unmatched by most rivals. While its curb weight was slightly higher due to this technology, the balance of smooth ride quality and handling was a hallmark. The car's roomy trunk and innovative features made it both practical and refined, setting it apart from more conventional rivals.