1998 Daihatsu Storia (M1) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Daihatsu Storia M1 has a curb weight of 840 kg (approximately 1852 lbs). This relatively lightweight build contributes positively to its fuel efficiency and nimble handling characteristics. A lighter car requires less energy to accelerate, helping improve fuel economy and making the car easier to maneuver, especially in urban traffic conditions. It also benefits braking performance and can contribute to a sportier driving feel.

With a width of 1600 mm (63.0 inches), the Daihatsu Storia M1 offers a decent amount of interior space for a compact hatchback. While not as spacious as larger vehicles, it provides adequate room for four passengers with reasonably comfortable seat spacing. The compact width enhances maneuverability and ease of parking, making it well-suited for city driving without compromising basic occupant comfort.

The Daihatsu Storia M1 is equipped with 145/80 R13 tires. The tire size indicates a tire width of 145 mm, an aspect ratio of 80% (tire height related to width), and a rim diameter of 13 inches. These relatively narrow tires are conducive to good fuel economy and provide a comfortable ride, but they prioritize comfort over sporty handling. The tire size balances ride quality with sufficient grip for daily driving.

Yes, the Daihatsu Storia M1 fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. With an overall length of 3960 mm (about 3.96 meters or 155.9 inches) and width of 1600 mm (1.6 meters or 63.0 inches), it is smaller than most typical garage dimensions. Standard garages are generally around 6 meters (20 feet) deep and 2.5 meters (8 feet) wide, making the Storia M1 compact enough to allow for easy entry, exit, and additional storage space inside the garage.

The Daihatsu Storia M1 (1998-2004) served as the successor to the Daihatsu Charade in many markets. Compared to the Charade, the Storia is slightly larger, particularly in length and width, which enhanced interior space and comfort. Whereas earlier Charades measured shorter in length, the Storia's 3960 mm length and 1600 mm width provide a more modern, spacious feel. Essentially, the M1 generation prioritized better packaging and urban usability while maintaining a compact footprint.

The Daihatsu Storia M1, with its dimensions of 3960 mm length, 1600 mm width, and 1450 mm height, sits comfortably among other subcompact hatchbacks of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Cars like the Suzuki Swift, Toyota Yaris, and Honda Logo had similar size footprints, generally ranging between 3.7 to 4 meters in length and around 1.6 meters in width. The Storia's size made it competitive, offering a balance of adequate cabin space and easy maneuverability in urban environments.

The Daihatsu Storia M1 is designed as a small hatchback with seating for up to five passengers, although it is most comfortable with four adults. Its compact exterior dimensions allow for efficient use of interior space, with reasonable headroom and legroom typical for subcompact cars of its era. The Storia features versatile rear seats that can be folded down to increase cargo capacity, making it practical for daily errands despite its small size.

The height of the Daihatsu Storia M1 is 1450 mm (approximately 57.1 inches), which is relatively moderate for a compact hatchback. This height contributes to a lower center of gravity, which benefits handling stability. From a user perspective, the height facilitates a comfortable seating position—not too low like sports cars, nor too high like SUVs—making entry and exit accessible for most passengers, while offering decent road visibility.

The Daihatsu Storia M1 is a 5-door hatchback, a body style prized for its practicality and versatility. Hatchbacks provide easy access to the rear cargo area and typically offer flexible seating configurations through foldable rear seats. This makes the Storia M1 an excellent choice for city dwellers who need a compact car but occasionally want to transport larger items, combining the best features of a small footprint and utility.