1960 FSO Warszawa 201 Dimensions, Size & Specs

With a width of about 1660 mm (65.4 inches), the FSO Warszawa 201 is narrower than many modern sedans, which often exceed 1800 mm (approximately 71 inches) in width. This narrower body provides advantages in maneuverability, especially on narrow, older city streets and tighter parking scenarios. However, this also means interior space is somewhat more confined, particularly in shoulder room for passengers. The car’s slim profile reflects design priorities from the 1960 era, focusing on compactness over spaciousness, which can be advantageous for heritage car enthusiasts who frequently drive in metropolitan areas with limited space.

The FSO Warszawa 201 stands approximately 1600 mm tall (about 63 inches). This height provides adequate headroom for most passengers, consistent with sedans of its time, balancing passenger comfort with the vehicle's overall low-to-the-ground design. However, from an aerodynamic perspective, the car’s relatively tall and boxy shape is less efficient than modern designs, which use sleeker, lower profiles to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. The 201’s height was more focused on practicality and comfort rather than aerodynamic performance, which was not a primary engineering consideration during its production period.

The FSO Warszawa 201’s curb weight is approximately 1300 kg (around 2866 lbs). This weight is representative of mid-20th century sedans constructed with robust steel bodies and simpler mechanical components, which contribute to a solid and sturdy feel but also to relatively heavy mass. The weight influences handling by offering stable road presence but less nimbleness compared to lighter modern cars. Fuel economy tends to be lower since the engine must move a heavier body, especially by today’s standards. However, the weight gives the car strength and durability, key qualities for a historic vehicle built during its era.

The FSO Warszawa 201 sedan typically seats five occupants: two in the front and three passengers in the rear bench seat. The interior offers sufficient legroom and headroom for average-sized adults, consistent with mid-20th century comfort standards. The car’s interior was designed with a straightforward and functional layout, emphasizing passenger durability rather than luxury or expansive space. Cargo volume is modest, with a trunk capacity adequate for typical luggage needs of the time. However, compared to modern sedans, both passenger space and cargo capacity are limited, as vehicle design at the time prioritized durability and simplicity over maximizing interior volume.

Yes, the FSO Warszawa 201 fits comfortably inside a standard single-car garage. With a length of approximately 4580 mm (180 inches) and a width of 1660 mm (65.4 inches), it is smaller than many contemporary sedans and SUVs, which often exceed 4.8 meters (about 190 inches) in length and 1.8 meters (71 inches) in width. A standard garage generally provides a clearance of about 6 meters (20 feet) in length and 2.4 meters (8 feet) in width, making the Warszawa 201’s dimensions well within these limits. This makes it practical for collectors or owners with typical domestic garage spaces.

The FSO Warszawa 201 is an evolution of the earlier Warszawa M20 model. Dimensionally, the 201 retained much of the M20’s size characteristics but introduced subtle refinements and modernization. The length and width remain close to those of the M20, maintaining a compact sedan footprint. The main differences are often found in styling improvements and minor dimensional increases aimed at improving passenger comfort rather than radically changing the car’s size. The Warszawa 201 was designed to feel more contemporary for the 1960s without deviating drastically from the proven dimensions of the M20, ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure and user expectations.

Compared to other sedans from the late 1950s and early 1960s, such as the Soviet GAZ-21 Volga or the American Chevrolet Bel Air, the FSO Warszawa 201 is generally smaller and lighter. Its length of about 4.58 meters (180 inches) and weight near 1300 kg (2866 lbs) place it in the compact to mid-size category, whereas many American sedans were larger and heavier. Soviet and Eastern European sedans were closer in size to the Warszawa, designed for practicality and robustness rather than luxury or large interior spaces. This makes the Warszawa 201 a representative example of compact European sedans of the period, focusing on efficient use of space and durability rather than size or extravagance.

The FSO Warszawa 201 was typically equipped with a 2.12-liter inline-four engine, inherited and upgraded from the wartime Pobeda design, producing around 70 horsepower. This powertrain offered moderate performance, suitable for the sedan’s relatively heavy structure and the road conditions of the time. The car’s top speed ranged around 115 km/h (71 mph), making it adequate for city and moderate highway travel. Acceleration and fuel efficiency are modest by current standards but typical for vehicles from the early 1960s. The focus was on reliability and durability rather than sporty performance, aligning with the car’s role as a practical family and utility vehicle in Poland during that era.

Maintaining an FSO Warszawa 201 today requires attention to its vintage mechanical parts and design. As a classic car, original components may be scarce, so owners often rely on specialized restorers or custom-made parts. Routine maintenance includes regular lubrication, carburetor tuning, and brake system checks, given the older technologies used. Electrical systems are typically simpler, making some repairs easier for knowledgeable enthusiasts. Despite this, the Warszawa 201’s robust build and straightforward engineering contribute to its longevity. Collectors value the car for its historical significance and durability if properly maintained, but prospective owners should prepare for occasional parts sourcing challenges and the need for mechanical know-how or professional support.