| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1972 |
| Production Years: | 1972 - 1982 discontinued in 1982 |
The Fiat 132 sedan, produced from 1972 to 1982, is a classic mid-size Italian automobile embodying 1970s design and engineering finesse. This generation of the Fiat 132 marked a notable evolution from its predecessor, featuring a more refined, boxy design typical of early 1970s sedans. Known for its balanced proportions and spacious interior, the Fiat 132 was designed to comfortably accommodate families while delivering reliable performance.
Measuring approximately around 4.47 meters (176 inches) in length, the Fiat 132's dimensions placed it firmly within the mid-size category of its era. Its width and height also made it suitable for everyday urban and suburban driving, combining practicality with the elegant styling cues of Italian automotive design. Although exact width and height figures vary depending on the model variant, the vehicle's overall footprint allowed for a generous cabin space without compromising maneuverability.
Throughout its decade-long production period, the Fiat 132 sedan was appreciated for its solid build quality, straightforward mechanical layout, and comfortable ride characteristics. It was often equipped with a range of four- and five-cylinder engines, reflecting Fiat’s engineering priorities at the time, offering a balance between fuel economy and performance. The vehicle's weight and size contributed to dependable handling and a smooth driving experience.
As a mid-size vehicle from the 1970s, the Fiat 132 remains a noteworthy example of Italian automotive ambition, offering a blend of style, comfort, and practical dimensions suitable for a broad range of drivers. Its legacy is firmly cemented among vintage European sedans known for durability and timeless design. Whether used for daily commuting or as a collector’s piece today, the Fiat 132 sedan continues to be celebrated for representing an important era in Fiat’s automotive history.
Discover the standout features that make the 1972 Fiat 132 a leader in its class
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The Fiat 132 sedan produced between 1972 and 1982 typically measures approximately 4450 mm (175.2 inches) in length, 1640 mm (64.6 inches) in width, and 1430 mm (56.3 inches) in height. These dimensions give the car a compact yet comfortable footprint typical of mid-size sedans of its era, providing adequate interior space for passengers while remaining manageable for urban driving conditions.
The Fiat 132 offers a reasonably spacious interior for a mid-size sedan from the 1970s and early 1980s. Seat design and legroom were adequate for both front and rear passengers, with a focus on comfort during longer trips. Though not as roomy as some larger executive sedans of the time, the 132’s interior optimizes cabin space efficiently, making it competitive against contemporaries like the Ford Taunus and Opel Rekord.
Yes, the Fiat 132 is well within the size limits of a standard garage. With a length of approximately 4450 mm (175.2 inches) and a width of 1640 mm (64.6 inches), it fits comfortably in typical residential garages designed for passenger cars. Its moderate height of 1430 mm (56.3 inches) also ensures easy clearance. Therefore, Fiat 132 owners generally face no issues parking the car in standard garages or parking spaces.
The Fiat 132's curb weight ranges approximately between 1100 kg to 1200 kg (around 2425 to 2645 lbs), depending on the specific model and equipment level. This moderate weight helps balance performance and fuel efficiency, providing nimble handling relative to its size and era. The car’s suspension tuning aimed to provide a comfortable ride without sacrificing stability, making it practical for everyday driving and longer journeys.
The Fiat 132 is equipped with a fuel tank capacity of about 50 liters (13.2 gallons US). Fuel consumption varies by engine and driving conditions but generally ranges around 10 to 13 liters per 100 kilometers (approximately 18 to 23 miles per gallon US). This consumption rate was average for mid-size sedans of the 1970s and early 1980s, balancing performance with economy.
Compared to the Fiat 125, the Fiat 132 is slightly larger in overall dimensions. The 132 features a longer wheelbase, increased length, and modestly greater width, enhancing passenger comfort and interior space. These size increases made the Fiat 132 feel more substantial and modern while improving stability and ride quality over its predecessor, which was more compact and slightly less roomy.
When compared to similar mid-size sedans from the 1970s and early 1980s such as the Opel Rekord, Ford Taunus, and BMW E12 5-Series, the Fiat 132 is competitive in length and width but slightly more compact in height. Its length around 4450 mm (175.2 inches) places it comfortably within the mid-size segment. The 132’s balanced size allowed it to be practical for both city and highway driving in its class.
The Fiat 132 was primarily produced as a four-door sedan during its production run from 1972 to 1982. Early models featured a more angular design which was slightly softened in the later series. There were no official estate or hatchback variants directly based on the 132 platform, emphasizing the model’s focus as a comfortable family and executive sedan.
The Fiat 132 generally offers seating for five passengers with two front bucket seats and a rear bench seat. In terms of comfort, it was equipped with features such as adjustable seats, quality upholstery options, and sufficient headroom owing to its 1430 mm (56.3 inches) height. For its time, the 132 emphasized a balance of space and comfort appropriate for long-distance travel or urban commuting.
During its production from 1972 to 1982, the Fiat 132 saw various refinements including updates to front and rear styling, improved aerodynamics, and enhanced lighting elements like new headlamp designs. Technological upgrades included improvements in suspension tuning and engine options, with later models featuring more powerful and efficient powertrains. These enhancements helped maintain the 132’s competitiveness in the mid-size car segment by combining traditional Italian design flair with better driving dynamics.
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