1981 Fiat Argenta (132A) Dimensions, Size & Specs

Production
Model Year:1981
Production Years:1978 - 1986 discontinued in 1986
Useful Information

About 1981 Fiat Argenta

The Fiat Argenta (132A), produced between 1978 and 1986, represents Fiat's offering in the executive sedan segment during the early 1980s. The 1981 model year of the Argenta maintained the robust design characteristics and practical dimensions that made it a favored choice for drivers seeking European comfort and style with Italian flair. As a sedan, the Argenta featured a balanced and practical design, emphasizing space efficiency and road presence. Though precise dimensions vary slightly based on trim and configuration, the Argenta typically measured approximately 4,370 mm (172 inches) in length, offering a compact footprint well-suited for both urban and highway driving. Its width spanned around 1,675 mm (66 inches), providing comfortable interior space for occupants without compromising maneuverability. The height stood close to 1,390 mm (55 inches), contributing to the vehicle's aerodynamic profile and elegant stance. Constructed on Fiat's robust chassis, the Argenta combined relatively lightweight engineering with solid build quality, generally weighing between 1,100 kg and 1,250 kg (roughly 2,425 to 2,755 lbs), depending on engine and trim options. This weight balance supported the vehicle's dynamic driving characteristics, offering a blend of agility and stability that was competitive for its class. The Argenta's sedan body style included four doors and a spacious trunk area, enhancing practicality for families and professionals alike. It was equipped with comfortable seating for five passengers, making it a versatile choice for everyday use. Overall, the Fiat Argenta (132A) stands out as a refined, medium-sized sedan from the late 1970s to mid-1980s, balancing size, weight, and functional design within the context of European automotive trends of the era.

Exceptional Features

1981 Fiat Argenta Highlights

Discover the standout features that make the 1981 Fiat Argenta a leader in its class

Engine Options

The 1981 Fiat Argenta offered a range of inline-four engines, including 1.6L, 1.8L, and 2.0L petrol variants, delivering balanced performance and fuel efficiency.

Transmission

It featured a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, with an optional 3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission for added convenience.

Interior Comfort

The Argenta's interior was known for its spaciousness and comfort, including well-cushioned seats and quality materials, reflecting an upgrade over its predecessor, the Fiat 132.

Suspension and Handling

Equipped with independent front suspension and a live rear axle with coil springs, the Argenta provided stable and comfortable handling suitable for its executive sedan class.

Safety Features

The 1981 Argenta incorporated safety improvements such as reinforced body structure, crumple zones, and optional front disc brakes, enhancing occupant protection.
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

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The Fiat Argenta (132A), produced from 1978 to 1986, is a midsize sedan. It has an overall length of approximately 4,445 mm (175 inches), a width of around 1,690 mm (66.5 inches), and a height close to 1,410 mm (55.5 inches). These dimensions contribute to a roomy interior for its class while maintaining manageable external proportions for urban and suburban driving.

The wheelbase of the Fiat Argenta (132A) measures about 2,570 mm (101.2 inches). A longer wheelbase generally improves ride comfort and stability by providing better weight distribution and minimizing the impact of road irregularities. For the Argenta, this contributes to its reputation as a comfortable and stable sedan suitable for both city and highway driving.

The weight of the Fiat Argenta (132A) varies depending on the engine and trim level but generally ranges between 1,100 kg to 1,280 kg (2,425 to 2,820 lbs). This moderate weight strikes a balance between structural integrity and efficiency, allowing the vehicle to deliver decent fuel economy and responsive handling for a sedan of its era.

The interior of the Fiat Argenta (132A) offers generous space for passengers, with seating designed to comfortably accommodate five adults. Headroom, legroom, and shoulder room are competitive for its class, considering the car's dimensions. This spacious cabin combined with a practical sedan layout made the Argenta a popular choice among families and professionals.

The Fiat Argenta (132A) features a reasonably sized trunk with an estimated capacity of approximately 400 liters (14.1 cubic feet), offering ample space for luggage, groceries, or other cargo. This trunk volume supports both daily errands and longer trips, providing versatility for various user needs.

Yes, the Fiat Argenta (132A) fits comfortably into a standard garage. With an overall length of about 4.45 meters (14.6 feet) and a width of roughly 1.69 meters (5.5 feet), it is well within the size limits of typical residential garages. Its compact footprint relative to modern vehicles ensures ease of parking and maneuverability in confined spaces.

The Fiat Argenta (132A) is essentially an evolution of the Fiat 132, sharing much of the same platform but with updated styling and slightly revised dimensions. While overall length and width remain quite similar to the Fiat 132, the Argenta generally features subtle enhancements in interior space efficiency and design refinements. This allowed improved comfort without significantly increasing the car’s footprint.

The Fiat Argenta (132A) is comparable in size to other midsize European sedans of its era, such as the BMW 5 Series (E12), Audi 80, and Opel Rekord. Its length of about 4.45 meters (175 inches) and width near 1.69 meters (66.5 inches) places it solidly in the midsize segment, offering competitive passenger comfort and practicality without the bulk of larger executive cars.

The Fiat Argenta came with various engine options ranging from 1.6 to 2.0 liters, including both petrol and diesel variants. Performance was oriented toward balanced driving with moderate power outputs, emphasizing reliability and fuel efficiency. The engines generally produced power outputs between approximately 90 to 110 horsepower, which provided adequate acceleration for everyday use while maintaining manageable running costs.

The Fiat Argenta (132A) is known for its comfortable ride, practical interior, and solid build quality for its time. Notable features include its classic sedan design with a focus on driver and passenger comfort, modest yet reliable engine options, and update styling that distinguished it from the Fiat 132 predecessor. It also introduced some improved safety elements and interior refinements that made it a competitive choice in the European midsize sedan market of the early 1980s.

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