| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1969 |
| Production Years: | 1969 - 1984 discontinued in 1984 |
The Fiat 128, produced from 1969 to 1984, is a landmark compact sedan known for being one of the first cars to successfully integrate a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout with a transverse engine. This configuration allowed for more interior space efficiency and better road handling compared to its contemporaries. Measuring approximately 3.95 meters (155.5 inches) in length, this compact car was equipped to fit comfortably in urban environments while maintaining adequate passenger and cargo room. The width of the Fiat 128 was around 1.55 meters (61 inches), and the height was approximately 1.39 meters (54.7 inches), making it low and sleek for its class. Weighing roughly between 800 and 850 kilograms (1760-1870 pounds) depending on the variant, the Fiat 128 balanced lightweight construction with durability. This vehicle was pivotal in influencing the design of many modern front-wheel-drive cars. Its compact size and efficient packaging made it popular around the world, appreciated both for its innovative engineering and practicality. It featured a simple yet functional sedan body style that emphasized ease of use, fuel economy, and ease of maneuvering in tight city conditions. The Fiat 128 remains a significant model in automotive history, representing a major step forward in drivetrain layout and vehicle design in the compact sedan segment.
Discover the standout features that make the 1969 Fiat 128 a leader in its class
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The Fiat 128 sedan, produced from 1969 to 1984, has compact dimensions ideal for its class and era. It typically measures approximately 3,890 mm (153.1 inches) in length, 1,540 mm (60.6 inches) in width, and about 1,410 mm (55.5 inches) in height. These dimensions reflect its status as a small to mid-size family sedan, designed to be maneuverable in urban settings while providing adequate interior space for passengers.
The Fiat 128 has a wheelbase of roughly 2,420 mm (95.3 inches), which is considerable for a compact sedan from its production era. This relatively long wheelbase contributes to increased stability and better handling characteristics, while also providing a more spacious cabin interior. Passengers benefit from the additional legroom, making it a practical choice for small families.
The weight of the Fiat 128 sedan varies slightly depending on the specific model and equipment but generally ranges around 900 to 950 kilograms (1,984 to 2,094 pounds). This relatively light curb weight supports nimble handling and improved fuel efficiency, especially when paired with the car's small-displacement inline-four engine. It also means that the 128 is easy to drive in urban environments and tends to offer responsive acceleration for a car of its class.
Yes, the Fiat 128 comfortably fits into a standard residential garage. Standard garage interiors are usually around 2,400 to 2,700 mm (7 feet 10 inches to 8 feet 10 inches) wide and 5,400 to 6,000 mm (17 feet 9 inches to 19 feet 8 inches) deep. Given the Fiat 128's compact dimensions of approximately 3,890 mm (153.1 inches) long and 1,540 mm (60.6 inches) wide, it leaves ample room for easy maneuvering and storage alongside other household items.
The Fiat 128 has an approximate height of 1,410 mm (55.5 inches), which aligns well with other compact sedans from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. Its stature is low enough to contribute to a sporty and aerodynamic appearance while still providing sufficient headroom for occupants inside. Compared to many contemporaries, this height strikes a balance between practicality and sleek design, making it comfortable for daily use and urban driving.
The Fiat 128 offers a conventional sedan seating layout, accommodating five passengers across two rows—a front bench or bucket seats for the driver and front passenger, and a bench seat for three passengers in the rear. Interior space benefits from the extended wheelbase, contributing to reasonable legroom and headroom for passengers within a compact footprint. While cargo space is limited compared to larger sedans, the rear trunk provides useful storage for daily errands and small luggage.
Being Fiat’s first front-engine, front-wheel drive small family car, the Fiat 128 marked a significant evolution from previous models like the Fiat 1100. Compared to the 1100, which had a rear-engine layout, the 128 offered improved interior space and packaging due to its modern layout. Dimensionally, the 128 was slightly larger overall, with a longer wheelbase providing enhanced passenger comfort and stability, signaling Fiat's transition toward contemporary compact sedan design.
Compared to contemporaries such as the Volkswagen Polo, Ford Escort Mk1, or Renault 12, the Fiat 128 was similarly sized in length and width but often noted for its innovative front-wheel-drive layout and lightweight construction. While many competitors shared comparable dimensions — typically around 3,800 mm to 4,000 mm in length — the Fiat 128's balance of compact size, practical interior space, and efficient use of mechanical components distinguished it for superior handling and fuel economy relative to peers.
The Fiat 128's width of about 1,540 mm (60.6 inches) makes it narrow enough for convenient navigation in tight city streets and crowded parking environments. Coupled with a relatively tight turning radius—estimated to be around 10 meters (32.8 feet)—the vehicle is agile and easy to maneuver in urban scenarios. These traits make the Fiat 128 well-suited for everyday urban commuting, parking in tight spots, and negotiating narrow roads.
The Fiat 128 was groundbreaking for its introduction of a transverse front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout with a fully integrated gearbox, which set new standards in compact car design. This packaging innovation maximized interior space within a small footprint, influencing many future compact and subcompact vehicles worldwide. Its efficient use of space and lightweight construction helped pave the way for the modern front-wheel-drive sedan segment. The Fiat 128's success demonstrated the efficiency and practicality of this approach, making it a pioneering model in automotive history.
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