1974 FSO 132p Dimensions, Size & Specs

The FSO 132p weighs approximately 1180 kg (2601 lbs) in curb weight. This moderate weight helped the vehicle maintain reasonable fuel efficiency and contributed to its balanced handling characteristics. The weight was distributed adequately across the vehicle chassis, contributing to its stability during driving. While not a lightweight car by contemporary standards, the 1180 kg mass allowed the sedan to be agile enough for urban and suburban use, while still providing a solid and comfortable ride. The vehicle's weight also had an impact on its braking distances and acceleration, which were consistent with other mid-sized sedans of the era.

The FSO 132p has a wheelbase length of 2660 mm (104.7 inches). The wheelbase is a critical dimension influencing the vehicle's interior space, especially legroom for rear passengers, and overall ride comfort. A 2660 mm wheelbase provided a good balance between stability and interior spaciousness for the mid-size sedan. This length was sufficient to ensure a comfortable seating arrangement without making the car overly large or cumbersome to drive, which is vital in urban environments and tight parking spaces.

Yes, the FSO 132p fits comfortably into a standard-sized garage. Typical single-car garages have a width around 2440 mm to 2740 mm (96 inches to 108 inches) and lengths from 4880 mm to over 6000 mm (192 inches to 240 inches). Given the 132p's length of 4475 mm (176.2 inches) and width of 1675 mm (65.9 inches), it accommodates well within these dimensions with sufficient clearance on all sides. Parking considerations mainly include allowing space for opening doors and maneuvering around the vehicle, which the 132p's moderate size facilitates smoothly.

The FSO 132p was designed to seat five passengers comfortably, including two front seats and a rear bench accommodating three passengers. While the interior dimensions were competitive for mid-size sedans in the 1970s, the cargo space in its trunk was functional, offering sufficient room for luggage or daily cargo needs typical of family or personal use. Compared to similar vehicles like the Fiat 132 on which it was based, the FSO provided a comparable passenger experience with adequate legroom and headroom, and trunk capacity was generally competitive within its class, balancing passenger comfort with storage needs.

The FSO 132p has an overall height of 1430 mm (56.3 inches), which translates into adequate headroom for most average-sized adults in both the front and rear seats. This height was typical among mid-sized sedans of the mid-1970s and allowed for a comfortable seated posture without cramped conditions. The roofline design was practical and functional, prioritizing passenger comfort over sportiness or aggressive styling. This meant passengers could enjoy reasonable head clearance, contributing to a less claustrophobic cabin experience on longer journeys.

With a width of 1675 mm (65.9 inches), the FSO 132p provided a moderate amount of shoulder room for passengers. The width was adequate to seat three passengers comfortably on the rear bench without feeling too cramped, and provided enough lateral space for front passengers. Compared to other mid-sized sedans from the 1970s, this dimension was fairly standard, contributing to a balanced interior that was neither too tight nor excessively wide. This standard width allowed the vehicle to maintain good aerodynamic and handling characteristics, while delivering practical interior space.

The FSO 132p was essentially an updated model based on the Fiat 132 platform, produced under license in Poland. As such, it did not have a direct predecessor as the 132p generation was the first of its kind produced domestically by FSO in this segment, replacing earlier models like the FSO Polonez only years later. Compared to previous Polish family sedans, the 132p offered a more modern and larger body style with improved dimensions providing better passenger comfort, more trunk space, and overall a more contemporary appearance. This transition marked a significant step forward in FSO's vehicle offerings in terms of size, engineering, and manufacturing standards.

The FSO 132p compared favorably with contemporary European mid-size sedans such as the Fiat 132, Opel Rekord, and Ford Taunus. In terms of dimensions, it aligned closely with these competitors, featuring a length around 4475 mm (176.2 inches) and width near 1675 mm (65.9 inches), placing it in the mid-sized family sedan category. The 132p's design combined practicality and function, appealing to Eastern European consumers seeking reliable and spacious vehicles. Market positioning emphasized robustness and utilitarian value rather than luxury or high-tech features, which was typical for FSO during this era. Its size and styling matched the expectations and economic realities of its primary markets well.

The trunk capacity of the FSO 132p was around 430 liters (15.2 cubic feet), which was quite practical for a mid-size sedan of that time, allowing ample space for luggage and cargo needs of a family or daily usage. The fuel tank capacity generally was about 53 liters (14 gallons US), providing a reasonable driving range between refueling stops, considering the fuel consumption typical for vehicles of that size and period. These capacities contributed to the 132p’s usability as a family or daily driver vehicle, balancing storage and autonomy efficiently.