1976 Ford Fiesta I (Mk1) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Ford Fiesta Mk1 typically weighs around 850 to 940 kilograms (approximately 1,874 to 2,072 pounds), depending on the specific trim and equipment. This light curb weight contributes positively to the car's nimble handling and fuel efficiency. The relatively low mass allows for quick acceleration for its category and improved responsiveness, making it a fun-to-drive car in urban and suburban environments. However, being a light vehicle, it may feel less planted at high speeds compared to heavier modern cars.

The interior of the Ford Fiesta Mk1 offers reasonable comfort for passengers in its subcompact hatchback class. Seating capacity is four to five passengers, with adequate headroom and legroom for front occupants, though rear seats may feel more confined, especially for taller passengers. The cargo capacity with the rear seats in place is modest, typical for its size, but folding or removing rear seats expands storage possibilities significantly. Overall, the Mk1 balances passenger space and practicality well for city commuters and small families.

Yes, the Ford Fiesta Mk1 fits comfortably in a standard residential garage. Given its compact length of about 3.63 meters (11.9 feet), width of 1.57 meters (5.15 feet), and height of approximately 1.37 meters (4.5 feet), it occupies less space than larger vehicles, allowing easy parking indoors. Most residential garage dimensions exceed 6 meters (20 feet) in length and 2.4 meters (8 feet) in width, which leaves ample room for opening doors and maneuvering around the vehicle inside the garage.

The Ford Fiesta Mk1 was actually the first generation of the Fiesta model, launched in 1976 as Ford's entry into the growing subcompact segment, so it doesn't have a predecessor within the Fiesta line. However, compared to earlier subcompact or economy cars from other manufacturers, the Mk1’s dimensions and design were modern and efficient, offering a competitive blend of compact size and interior space. Its innovative hatchback layout provided versatility that surpassed many smaller sedans or coupes that lacked rear cargo access.

Compared to contemporaries like the Volkswagen Polo Mk1, Austin Metro, and Fiat 127, the Ford Fiesta Mk1 was competitive in size and space utilization. Its length of about 3.63 meters (142.9 inches) is slightly longer than the Polo Mk1 (around 3.6 meters), providing a bit more cabin or boot space. The hatchback design was a popular choice for economy cars of the era, combining practicality with compact footprint. The Mk1’s light weight and efficient packaging made it a strong contender in a very competitive segment dominated by small, practical hatchbacks.

The Ford Fiesta Mk2, which began production in 1983 while the Mk1 was still being produced, grew slightly in size compared to the Mk1. The Mk2 typically measures around 3,765 mm (148.2 inches) in length versus the Mk1's 3,630 mm (142.9 inches). Width and height also increased marginally, offering improved passenger space and comfort. These dimension changes reflected evolving market demands for more interior space and safety features. The Mk2's slightly larger footprint resulted in improved ride quality and practicality without compromising the Fiesta's core city-friendly nature.

The Ford Fiesta Mk1 has a wheelbase of approximately 2,286 mm (90 inches). The wheelbase—the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels—plays a key role in both ride comfort and interior cabin space. A wheelbase of roughly 2.29 meters is fairly typical for subcompact hatchbacks and allows for a reasonable balance between maneuverability and cabin roominess. While not as spacious as larger cars, this wheelbase length provides decent legroom for front passengers and contributes to the vehicle's stable handling characteristics at city speeds.

The Ford Fiesta Mk1 stands roughly 1,370 mm (53.9 inches) tall, with ground clearance typically around 140 to 160 mm (5.5 to 6.3 inches), depending on suspension setup and wheel size. This moderate ground clearance allows the car to handle typical urban road conditions comfortably, including occasional potholes and speed bumps, while maintaining a low center of gravity that benefits driving dynamics. The fairly low height complements aerodynamics and ease of entry/exit but may be slightly limiting for taller passengers. Overall, these dimensions optimize the Mk1 for city driving and light suburban use.

The Ford Fiesta Mk1’s fuel tank capacity is approximately 40 liters (10.6 US gallons), which offers a practical range for its small engine and efficient fuel consumption typical of subcompact hatchbacks. Regarding luggage capacity, the rear hatch opens to a boot space of roughly 225 liters (about 7.95 cubic feet) with the rear seats up. Folding the rear seats expands the cargo area significantly, providing flexibility for carrying larger items or more luggage. This balance of fuel efficiency and versatile cargo space contributed to the Mk1’s popularity among budget-conscious drivers.