1996 Lancia Kappa Station Wagon (838) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Lancia Kappa Station Wagon (838) ranges between 1485 kg and 1610 kg (approximately 3275 to 3548 pounds). The variation depends on the specific engine and trim level. The maximum permissible weight ranges from 2000 kg to 2190 kg (roughly 4409 to 4826 pounds), reflecting payload capacity including passengers, cargo, and optional equipment. This weight class ensures the vehicle maintains a balance between performance, fuel efficiency, and load capacity suitable for family and utility uses.

With the rear seats in their upright position, the Lancia Kappa Station Wagon provides 505 to 525 liters (approximately 17.8 to 18.5 cubic feet) of luggage space. When the rear seats are folded down, this capacity expands significantly to about 1500 liters (around 53 cubic feet). This flexibility is a strong point of the Kappa Station Wagon, enabling it to accommodate larger cargo loads and making it a practical choice for families or those needing versatile transport.

The Lancia Kappa Station Wagon (838) typically comes fitted with 15-inch rims. The tire sizes recommended include 195/65R15, 215/55R16, 205/65R15, 195/60R15, and 205/60R15. This range of tire sizes allows for various handling preferences and road conditions, balancing comfort, grip, and performance. The availability of a 16-inch tire size (215/55R16) suggests some versions or optional upgrades may feature larger rims for enhanced aesthetics or sportier handling.

The average standard garage dimensions are typically around 2.4 to 2.7 meters in width and 5.0 to 6.0 meters in length. With a width of 1826 mm (about 1.83 meters or 71.9 inches) and length of 4687 mm (about 4.69 meters or 184.5 inches), the Lancia Kappa Station Wagon will generally fit comfortably within a standard single-car garage, leaving adequate clearance for opening doors and maneuvering. The vehicle height varies around 1.46 meters (57.5 inches), which also fits well under typical garage door heights, making parking convenient and safe.

The Kappa Station Wagon (838) produced from 1996 to 2000 is the only station wagon body style for the Kappa generation, so it didn’t have a direct predecessor station wagon model under the Kappa name. However, compared to the Lancia Thema sedan (the Kappa's predecessor model line before the Kappa was introduced), the Kappa offers more modern and slightly larger dimensions, particularly in terms of width and luggage capacity. The Kappa wagon was designed to cater more to family and utility needs with improved cargo space and a longer body, enhancing practicality compared to the Thema’s sedan configuration.

Against contemporaries such as the Audi A6 Avant, BMW 5 Series Touring, and Volvo V70 from the late 1990s, the Lancia Kappa Station Wagon holds its own in terms of overall length and width. Measuring 4687 mm long and 1826 mm wide, it sits comfortably within the mid-to-large station wagon segment. The luggage capacity of 505-525 liters with seats up, expanding to 1500 liters with seats folded, is competitive, offering generous cargo space comparable to rivals. While some German competitors might offer slightly more advanced chassis tuning and engine options, the Kappa provides Italian styling and comfortable interior space, making it a solid choice in size and practicality.

The height of the Lancia Kappa Station Wagon ranges between 1462 mm and 1464 mm (about 57.5 to 57.6 inches). This moderate height ensures a lower center of gravity compared to some larger SUVs, which favors stable and responsive handling on roads. The relatively modest vehicle height also aids in parking, particularly in garages or parking structures with height restrictions. This station wagon’s profile is fairly typical for its class, balancing aerodynamics and interior headroom without presenting challenges for parking in urban environments.

The curb weight of the Lancia Kappa Station Wagon stretches from approximately 1485 kg to 1610 kg (3275 to 3548 pounds), depending on engine configurations and trim levels. A heavier curb weight can improve ride comfort and stability at higher speeds but may slightly reduce fuel efficiency and performance compared to lighter vehicles. The Kappa balances this with its robust build and technology of its time, ensuring decent handling for a large wagon and acceptable fuel consumption figures typical for mid to upper family cars of the late 1990s.

The Lancia Kappa Station Wagon prominently features 15-inch rims with tires sized at 195/65R15, 205/65R15, 205/60R15, 195/60R15, and also an option for 215/55R16 tires on larger diameter rims. Different tire sizes affect ride comfort, handling, and road grip. Larger tires with lower profiles, such as the 215/55R16, usually yield sportier handling and sharper road feedback but can slightly decrease ride comfort. Smaller tires provide better cushioning over rough surfaces. Thus, the available range allowed buyers to prioritize either comfort or enhanced handling based on preference.