1996 De Tomaso Mangusta II Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the De Tomaso Mangusta II is 1185 kg (approximately 2613 lbs). This weight is quite light for a cabriolet sports car of its period, which positively influences its agility, acceleration, and braking capabilities. A lower curb weight means improved power-to-weight ratio, enhancing overall driving dynamics and making the car more responsive and fun to drive.

Yes, the De Tomaso Mangusta II generally fits into a standard residential garage. With a length of 4275 mm (168.3 inches) and a width of 1830 mm (72.0 inches), it is within the typical garage size allowance. Most single-car residential garages have a minimum length of around 5,000 mm (196.9 inches) and widths of about 2,400 mm (94.5 inches), so the Mangusta II will comfortably fit with sufficient space for opening doors and maneuvering around the vehicle.

With a width of 1830 mm (72.0 inches), the De Tomaso Mangusta II is comparable to many late 1990s sports cabriolets, which typically ranged from about 1750 to 1850 mm in width. This width allows for a stable road presence without being excessively wide, ensuring good handling characteristics while still being practical for everyday driving and parking.

The height of the Mangusta II is 1100 mm (43.3 inches), suggesting it is a very low-profile sports car. While exact ground clearance was not specified, cars with such low height typically have ground clearances around 100-120 mm (3.9-4.7 inches). This low stance improves aerodynamic performance and handling but requires careful driving over speed bumps or uneven surfaces to avoid undercarriage damage.

The Mangusta II is generally more compact and modern compared to its iconic predecessor, the original Mangusta produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The original Mangusta was longer, measuring roughly 4290 mm (169 inches) in length but heavier and bulkier. The 1996 Mangusta II's design aimed to capture the essence of the original while optimizing for reduced weight (1185 kg vs. heavier older models) and a more streamlined, cabriolet form for modern driving conditions and style preferences.

Compared to contemporaries like the Ferrari F355 Spider and Porsche 911 Cabriolet (996 generation), the Mangusta II is somewhat similar in footprint but generally lighter. The F355 Spider measured about 4270 mm (168.1 inches) long and weighed about 1450 kg, making the Mangusta II slightly heavier in length but considerably lighter in weight at 1185 kg. The Porsche 911 Cabriolet of that era was roughly 4340 mm (170.9 inches) long and weighed around 1500 kg. The Mangusta II’s lighter weight and comparable dimensions give it a unique blend of nimbleness and classic styling.

The De Tomaso Mangusta II is a two-seater cabriolet, designed primarily for driver and passenger with a focus on sporty driving experience rather than spaciousness. Given its compact length of 4275 mm and low height of 1100 mm, interior space is tight but ergonomic, emphasizing cockpit feel and close driver engagement with controls. The cabriolet layout enhances open-air driving pleasure, although rear passenger seating is not available.

Its compact size combined with a very low height of 1100 mm (43.3 inches) significantly enhances the Mangusta II’s aerodynamic profile, reducing drag and improving stability at high speeds. The sleek, low design minimizes frontal area, allowing for smoother airflow over the body which aids in fuel efficiency and driving stability. This low center of gravity also contributes positively to cornering performance, making it a nimble and fast sports cabriolet on the road.

Thanks to its relatively compact dimensions—4275 mm (168.3 inches) in length and 1830 mm (72.0 inches) in width—and light weight of 1185 kg, the Mangusta II is fairly practical for urban use. Its size allows easier parking in tighter spaces compared to larger sports cars or grand tourers, while the cabriolet design can make it enjoyable for city cruising. The low height might require caution on uneven roads or steep driveways, but overall, it balances sporty appeal with manageable city usability.