1946 GAZ 20M Dimensions, Size & Specs

The GAZ 20M has a curb weight of approximately 1460 kilograms (3219 pounds). This weight refers to the vehicle's weight without passengers or cargo but includes necessary fluids. The maximum weight capacity, also called gross vehicle weight, is 1835 kilograms (4047 pounds), which represents the combined weight of the car, passengers, cargo, and fuel when fully loaded. This capacity allows the GAZ 20M to comfortably carry four to five passengers along with their belongings.

A standard garage typically measures about 2.4 to 2.7 meters (7.9 to 8.9 feet) wide and 4.8 to 6 meters (15.7 to 19.7 feet) long. Given the GAZ 20M’s dimensions—4665 mm (4.665 m or 15.3 feet) in length and 1695 mm (1.695 m or 5.6 feet) in width—it comfortably fits within the typical garage floor space. Its height of 1640 mm (1.64 m or 5.4 feet) is also well within the vertical clearance of standard garages, ensuring convenient parking at home.

The GAZ 20M’s width of 1695 mm (66.7 inches) was fairly typical for sedans of the 1940s and 1950s. Modern sedans tend to be wider, often exceeding 1800 mm (71 inches), providing more shoulder room for passengers. Compared to its contemporaries, the GAZ 20M was moderately wide, offering reasonable interior space while maintaining maneuverability on narrow postwar city streets. Its width strikes a balance between comfort and practicality for its time.

The GAZ 20M is equipped with 205/75 R16 tires. This tire size indicates a tire width of 205 mm, an aspect ratio of 75%, and it fits on a 16-inch diameter wheel. Such relatively tall sidewalls provide a softer, more cushioned ride, which would have been important for handling uneven road surfaces common in the mid-20th century. The combination of tire size and suspension setup helped the GAZ 20M deliver a comfortable driving experience on rough roads.

With a height of 1640 mm (64.6 inches), the GAZ 20M offers good headroom for driver and passengers. This height dimension contributes to a spacious cabin that is comfortable for both front and rear occupants, allowing enough vertical room to sit upright without feeling cramped. In its era, this height was considered relatively generous for sedans, enhancing overall comfort, especially during longer trips.

The GAZ 20M was an evolution of the earlier GAZ 20 model, maintaining similar foundational design principles while incorporating improvements. Its dimensions, including length, width, and height, were largely consistent with the predecessor, aimed at retaining the proven spaciousness and robustness. However, the 20M included modernized styling, better mechanical reliability, and slight refinements that enhanced comfort and durability. These evolutionary enhancements made the 20M more suitable for postwar civilian use compared to earlier wartime or prewar predecessors.

The GAZ 20M fits well within the typical size range for sedans of the 1940s and 1950s. Its length of 4665 mm (183.7 inches) and weight of 1460 kg (3219 pounds) place it roughly on par with contemporary Western sedans like the Ford V8 or early Chevrolet models. While American cars of the era were often longer and heavier, the GAZ 20M’s size was practical for Soviet roads and urban environments. Its moderate width and weight helped balance comfort, durability, and fuel efficiency for its intended market.

The GAZ 20M’s moderate dimensions—length of 4665 mm, width of 1695 mm, and height of 1640 mm—along with a curb weight of 1460 kg, result in stable and controlled handling for a sedan of its time. The relatively compact footprint makes it maneuverable on narrow roadways, while its weight provides enough mass to smooth out road irregularities and ensure reasonable traction. However, due to design priorities of the 1940s, it lacks the advanced suspension and agility of modern cars but offers a balanced and predictable driving experience appropriate for mid-20th century roads.

Yes, the GAZ 20M was designed as a roomy sedan with family use in mind. Its length of 4665 mm (183.7 inches) and width of 1695 mm (66.7 inches) contribute to spacious interior dimensions that comfortably accommodate up to five occupants. The ample height of 1640 mm (64.6 inches) provides good headroom, and the wide cabin allows for comfortable seating arrangements. Coupled with its decent weight rating of 1835 kg (4047 pounds) maximum load, it is capable of carrying passengers and luggage over long distances, making it practical for daily use as well as extended travel.