1973 Mazda 1300 Dimensions, Size & Specs

The 1973 Mazda 1300 sedan has a curb weight estimated around 900 to 1,000 kilograms (approximately 1,984 to 2,205 pounds). This relatively light weight for a sedan enhances fuel efficiency and makes the car nimble and responsive for its class. The lighter weight helps in achieving better mileage as the engine doesn’t need to exert as much effort. The modest curb weight also improves acceleration and braking characteristics, contributing to a more agile driving experience typical of small sedans from the 1970s.

The 1973 Mazda 1300 sedan prioritized a balance between compact external dimensions and interior comfort. Although specific legroom and headroom measurements are scarce, the interior was designed to comfortably seat four to five passengers, with adequate legroom typical for sedans of that era. The headroom was sufficient for average-height adults, facilitated by a roof height around 1,350 mm (53 inches). The interior layout maintained practicality without the bulk of larger sedans, catering well to small families or commuters who valued efficient use of space.

The 1973 Mazda 1300 sedan, due to its compact dimensions, comfortably fits within a standard garage, which typically accommodates vehicles up to around 5,000 mm (197 inches) long and 2,500 mm (98 inches) wide. With a length of approximately 4,000 mm (157.5 inches) and width near 1,600 mm (63 inches), it leaves sufficient buffer space for easy parking maneuvers. The car's modest size also aids in navigating tighter spaces, urban garages, and parking lots, making it practical for daily use in environments with limited parking availability.

Comparing the 1973 Mazda 1300 sedan to its predecessor, the earlier Mazda Familia 1200 series, the 1973 model generally maintained a similar compact footprint with only slight increases in length and width for improved passenger comfort and styling updates. The evolution focused on refining proportions rather than significant growth in size. This approach preserved the nimble handling and city-friendly dimensions that made the previous generation popular, while enhancing interior ergonomics and road presence. Consequently, the 1300 generation blends familiar size benefits with incremental improvements.

In the context of mid-1970s compact sedans, the 1973 Mazda 1300 was competitive in size with models like the Honda Civic first generation, Toyota Corolla E20, and Datsun 510. These vehicles generally spanned lengths between 3,900 mm to 4,200 mm (154 to 165 inches), widths of around 1,550 mm to 1,650 mm (61 to 65 inches), and heights near 1,300 mm to 1,400 mm (51 to 55 inches). Mazda’s offering was thus on par with its peers, balancing compact external dimensions for efficient urban driving without compromising on passenger and cargo space relative to its class.

The 1973 Mazda 1300 sedan typically features a fuel tank capacity around 40 liters (approximately 10.6 US gallons), which was standard for compact cars of the era, allowing for reasonable driving ranges between refills. Trunk volume for the sedan was modest but practical, designed to accommodate everyday luggage and shopping needs. While exact cargo capacity figures are limited, the trunk space could be expected to handle roughly 300 liters (around 10.6 cubic feet), aligning with similar compact sedans of the mid-1970s, making it suitable for small families and daily errands.

The 1973 Mazda 1300 sedan was equipped with a 1.3-liter inline-four engine, designed to offer reliable performance and efficiency rather than outright power. This engine produced roughly 60 to 70 horsepower (45 to 52 kW), adequate for city and highway driving of the time. The focus was on economical operation and durability, characteristics typical for small sedans of the 1970s. Transmission options generally included a 4-speed manual gearbox, with some markets possibly offering an automatic variant. This setup emphasized a balanced driving experience suitable for a broad range of daily use scenarios.

The 1973 Mazda 1300 sedan incorporated basic but industry-standard safety features of the era. These typically included front seat belts, energy-absorbing steering columns, and reinforced body structures to improve crash safety. Advanced features like airbags, ABS braking, or crumple zones were not commonly available at that time. However, Mazda focused on building a reliable chassis with good road handling characteristics to support driver control and accident avoidance. The car represented the safety norms before the rapid evolution of automotive safety technologies in later decades.

The 1973 Mazda 1300 sedan features a suspension setup typical for compact cars of its time, usually comprising independent front suspension with coil springs and a solid rear axle with leaf springs or coil springs depending on sub-model. This arrangement prioritizes ride comfort and predictable handling in various road conditions. The relatively light curb weight and compact dimensions contribute to nimble maneuverability and ease of control. While not sporty by modern standards, the 1300 sedan was well-regarded for providing a comfortable and stable driving experience, suitable for everyday urban and regional travel.