1991 Ford Orion III (GAL) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Ford Orion III (GAL) sedan typically ranges between 1,000 to 1,100 kilograms (2,205 to 2,425 pounds), depending on the specific model and optional equipment. This weight range reflects the car's compact size and economy-oriented design, contributing to nimble handling and reasonable fuel efficiency. Lighter vehicles like the Orion III often provide a more responsive driving experience with easier acceleration and braking, especially suitable for city commuting. However, the vehicle's structural build maintains enough solidity to ensure stability and ride comfort at higher speeds, offering a balanced combination of agility and comfort for everyday driving scenarios.

With a width of approximately 1,660 millimeters (65.4 inches), the Ford Orion III (GAL) delivers sufficient interior room while maintaining a compact exterior. This width allows comfortable seating for four to five passengers, with adequate shoulder room, especially for front occupants. While rear seat space is somewhat cozy, it remains practical for short to moderate trips, making the car suitable for small families or urban commuters. The car’s design efficiently uses its width to balance between passenger comfort and ease of parking or maneuvering in tight city spaces. The moderate width also contributes positively to aerodynamic performance, enhancing fuel efficiency.

The Ford Orion III (GAL) sedan stands approximately 1,385 millimeters tall (54.5 inches), which provides a reasonable amount of headroom for both front and rear passengers. Despite being a compact sedan, the car’s design optimizes vertical space to deliver a comfortable seating position without compromising the vehicle’s sleek, low-profile exterior look. Taller passengers may find the rear headroom slightly limited on extended journeys, but generally, the cabin height is sufficient for everyday comfort and does not feel cramped. The moderate height also contributes to the car’s stability by keeping the center of gravity low, which benefits handling and ride quality.

The Ford Orion III (GAL) is equipped with a wheelbase measuring approximately 2,550 millimeters (100.4 inches). This dimension plays a crucial role in the car’s ride stability and interior space distribution. A wheelbase of this length is typical for compact sedans, striking a balance between maneuverability and passenger comfort. The relatively longer wheelbase compared to smaller hatchbacks results in improved ride smoothness and reduces the impact of road imperfections, enhancing overall driving comfort. It also allows for better legroom in the rear seats, contributing to passenger comfort on longer journeys.

Yes, the Ford Orion III (GAL) typically fits comfortably within a standard home garage. Standard garage dimensions usually range around 6 meters (about 19.7 feet) in length and 3 meters (approximately 9.8 feet) in width, which accommodates the Orion III’s compact size very well. Measuring roughly 4.24 meters (166.9 inches) long and 1.66 meters (65.4 inches) wide, the vehicle leaves ample space for opening doors and moderate storage around it. This makes it a practical choice for homeowners who require a car that can easily fit into typical garage spaces without difficulty in parking or maneuvering.

Compared to its predecessor, the Ford Orion II, the Orion III (GAL) introduced subtle increases in size aimed at improving interior comfort and safety. The Orion III is marginally longer and slightly wider, which translates into better rear passenger space and more substantial trunk capacity. While the overall styling retained the compact sedan’s original profile, these incremental increases enhanced occupant comfort without compromising maneuverability. The wheelbase remained fairly consistent to maintain good handling characteristics, but refinements in suspension and chassis tuning made the Orion III a smoother ride than the Orion II. The evolution from Orion II to III represents Ford’s focus on improving practicality and drivability in their compact sedan lineup.

In the early 1990s, the Ford Orion III was competitive in the compact sedan market, with dimensions and design reflecting segment standards. Compared to contemporaries like the Volkswagen Jetta Mk2 and the Opel Kadett sedan, the Orion III offered a slightly more conservative exterior length and width, focusing on maximizing interior space within a manageable footprint. Its 4.24-meter length and 1.66-meter width are comparable to these rivals, balancing passenger comfort and urban agility. While rivals may have offered some variations in styling and feature content, the Orion's design excelled in simplicity and practicality. Its classic sedan layout appealed to buyers seeking a traditional four-door saloon with reliable performance and economy.

The Ford Orion III (GAL) came with a variety of petrol engine options, ranging typically from 1.3 to 1.6 liters in displacement, delivering between 60 to 90 horsepower depending on the market and exact engine variant. These engines were paired with manual or automatic transmissions, catering to both economy-focused drivers and those seeking convenient urban driving. Performance was oriented towards fuel efficiency and smooth operation rather than outright speed, making the Ford Orion III an ideal vehicle for daily commuting and small family transport. Acceleration and top speed were adequate within the compact sedan category, with an emphasis on reliability and low running costs.

The Ford Orion III (GAL) features a reasonably sized trunk, suitable for its compact sedan class. It typically offers around 400 liters of luggage space, providing enough room for groceries, luggage for a small family, or daily essentials. This capacity strikes a balance between passenger space and storage utility, ensuring that the car remains practical for typical errands or weekend trips. The trunk’s shape and accessibility enhance loading ease, and the rear seats generally fold down to increase cargo space when needed. Overall, the trunk size is functional and meets the needs of most users without compromising the vehicle’s compact footprint.