1998 Honda Z Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the 1998-2002 Honda Z ranges from 960 to 970 kg (2116 to 2138 lbs), making it a relatively lightweight vehicle. This contributes to its agility and fuel efficiency. The maximum allowed weight, including passengers and cargo, ranges between 1180 and 1190 kg (2601 to 2623 lbs). These weight specifications reflect the car's compact hatchback design, which emphasizes economy and ease of use rather than heavy-duty performance.

Yes, the Honda Z comfortably fits into a standard garage. With its compact dimensions — length of 3395 mm (133.7 inches), width of 1475 mm (58.1 inches), and height of 1675 mm (65.9 inches) — it occupies less space than typical mid-size cars. Standard residential garages usually measure around 2400–2700 mm (94.5–106.3 inches) in width and about 4800–6000 mm (189–236 inches) in length, so the Honda Z's size ensures plenty of room for easier parking with additional clearance for opening doors and maneuvering.

At 1475 mm (58.1 inches) wide, the Honda Z is narrower than many contemporary compact hatchbacks from the late 1990s and early 2000s. For comparison, other popular hatchbacks like the Toyota Starlet or Suzuki Swift often measured between 1600 mm and 1650 mm in width, making the Honda Z significantly narrower. This narrower profile helped it excel in tight city traffic and parking situations but may have slightly compromised interior shoulder space compared to wider competitors.

The Honda Z is equipped with 175/80 R15 tires, which means the tire width is 175 mm, with a sidewall height that is 80% of the tire width, and mounted on 15-inch rims. This tire specification strikes a balance between ride comfort and responsive handling. The relatively tall sidewall (height) contributes to quicker absorption of road imperfections, enhancing ride comfort, while the 15-inch wheel offers stable handling characteristics and efficient performance on various road surfaces.

With a height of 1675 mm (65.9 inches), the Honda Z has a taller profile compared to many hatchbacks of similar length and width. This increased height benefits interior space by providing ample headroom for passengers, which in turn improves comfort despite the compact footprint. Additionally, the higher seating position enhances driver visibility, offering a commanding view of the road and surroundings, an advantage in urban congestion and tight parking situations.

The second-generation Honda Z (1998-2002) is smaller and more compact than its predecessor, the first-generation Honda Z (1990-1996). Specifically, the newer model reduced overall length and width to emphasize urban maneuverability. While the first generation was slightly larger and bulkier, the 1998-2002 generation focused on a minimalist, efficient design to appeal to city drivers needing compact dimensions without sacrificing interior comfort, largely achieved by increasing height for headroom.

Compared to similar kei-class city hatchbacks such as the Suzuki Alto and Daihatsu Mira, the 1998-2002 Honda Z is comparable in length, with the Z measuring 3395 mm (133.7 inches). The Z tends to be slightly taller at 1675 mm (65.9 inches) compared to these competitors, resulting in more interior headroom. In terms of weight, the Honda Z (960–970 kg) is somewhat heavier than the ultra-lightweight Alto and Mira models, which typically weigh under 900 kg. This extra weight reflects added structural features and comfort amenities.

The Honda Z is designed to comfortably seat four passengers, despite its compact dimensions. The increased height of 1675 mm (65.9 inches) allows generous headroom for both front and rear occupants, making longer trips more comfortable. The interior layout takes advantage of the compact footprint to optimize legroom and shoulder room, although space is understandably tighter than larger hatchbacks. Overall, it strikes a balance between city-friendly exterior size and interior practicality.

The Honda Z from 1998-2002 is known for its fuel efficiency, benefiting from its lightweight construction (960–970 kg / 2116–2138 lbs) and small engine sizes designed to meet kei car regulations in Japan. Typically equipped with small displacement engines, the Z offers modest but sufficient power for urban commuting and light highway driving. Its compact size and agile handling make it easy to maneuver through city traffic, while fuel economy remains an advantage for budget-conscious drivers looking for low running costs and reliability.