1975 Fiat 131 Familiare/panorama Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Fiat 131 Familiare has a curb weight of 1050 kg (approximately 2315 lbs), which reflects the vehicle's empty weight including all standard equipment, necessary operating consumables like oil and a full tank of fuel, and driver weight. Its maximum weight capacity, or gross vehicle weight, is 1560 kg (around 3440 lbs). This means the vehicle can safely accommodate passengers, cargo, and additional load up to 1560 kg without compromising performance or safety.

The Fiat 131 Familiare station wagon offers a generous luggage capacity of 640 liters (about 22.6 cubic feet) with the rear seats in their upright position. When the rear seats are folded down, the space increases substantially to 1170 liters (around 41.3 cubic feet). This flexibility makes the 131 Familiare well-suited for family trips and transporting larger loads, as it balances passenger comfort with significant cargo volume.

The roof load capacity of the Fiat 131 Familiare is rated at 80 kg (about 176 lbs). This means you can safely place roof-mounted accessories such as luggage racks, bike carriers, or roof boxes up to this weight limit without risking damage to the vehicle or affecting its handling adversely. It is important to adhere to this limit to ensure safe driving and to prevent structural strain on the roof and suspension system.

The Fiat 131 Familiare comes equipped with 5J x 13 rims, meaning the wheels have a 13-inch diameter and a 5-inch width. The tire size specified is 175/70 R13. This tire specification indicates a tire width of 175 mm, an aspect ratio of 70% (the sidewall height is 70% of the tire width), and the tire fits on 13-inch rims. This setup provides a balance between ride comfort and handling typical for vehicles of the mid-1970s.

Typical garages are often around 2.4 to 2.7 meters (approx. 7.87 to 8.85 feet) wide and about 5 to 6 meters (16.4 to 19.7 feet) long. With its dimensions of 4264 mm (4.26 meters) length and 1650 mm (1.65 meters) width, the Fiat 131 Familiare comfortably fits into a standard garage. Its relatively compact width and moderate length ensure ample clearance for opening doors and parking convenience inside most European or North American residential garages.

The Fiat 131 Familiare, introduced in 1975, followed the first-generation Fiat 131 berlina but notably extended the model's utility by introducing the station wagon body style to the lineup. Compared to the predecessor sedans, the Familiare version offers significantly more luggage capacity—640 liters with seats up—and the option to expand to 1170 liters with foldable rear seats, which was not available in the previous generation's typical sedan layout. While the length and width are similar to earlier 131 models, the height might be marginally increased to accommodate the wagon's rear space, enhancing practicality without compromising the car’s overall maneuverability.

The Fiat 131 Familiare competes with several European mid-size station wagons of the mid to late 1970s, such as the Ford Cortina Estate and the Opel Rekord Caravan. Dimensionally, its length of 4264 mm (167.8 inches) and width of 1650 mm (65 inches) place it in the compact to mid-size range, typically slightly smaller or similar to rivals. However, its generous luggage capacity of 640 to 1170 liters (22.6 to 41.3 cubic feet) is competitive, offering practical family utility. Additionally, its relatively lightweight construction at 1050 kg (2315 lbs) generally promotes better fuel efficiency and nimble handling compared to some heavier counterparts.

The Fiat 131 Familiare, being a family-oriented station wagon, was designed with practicality and passenger comfort in mind. It offers seating for five passengers with adequate headroom and legroom consistent with its class and era. The rear seats can be folded down to significantly increase luggage space, enhancing flexibility for carrying bulky items. Interior materials and ergonomics reflect 1970s standards with straightforward design but aim for durability and ease of use. Heating and ventilation systems were standard, supporting comfort in various climates. While not luxurious by modern standards, the Familiare balanced comfort, utility, and affordability effectively.

The Fiat 131 Familiare's curb weight of 1050 kg (2315 lbs) and relatively compact dimensions help it maintain reasonable fuel economy for its class during the 1970s. Exact mileage may vary based on engine options and driving conditions, but generally, station wagons of this era and size would achieve approximately 8 to 12 liters per 100 kilometers (approximately 20 to 29 miles per gallon) depending on engine tuning. Its lighter weight compared to heavier wagons contributes positively to fuel consumption, making it economical for family use and daily driving within the context of 1970s automotive standards.