1977 Mazda 323 I Station Wagon (FA) Dimensions, Size & Specs

When compared to other station wagons from the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Mazda 323 I Station Wagon's width of 1,615 mm (63.6 inches) and height of 1,370 mm (53.9 inches) position it on the smaller side of the compact wagon segment. Many contemporaries in this segment tended to be wider, often exceeding 1,700 mm (66.9 inches) in width, and sometimes taller, creating a more spacious cabin. However, the Mazda's dimensions allowed it to be more nimble and easier to park, while still offering adequate interior volume and cargo space for everyday use. This made it a practical choice for buyers prioritizing maneuverability over maximum interior room.

The wheelbase of the Mazda 323 I Station Wagon (FA) is approximately 2,380 mm (93.7 inches). This measurement is crucial as it influences both interior space and ride quality. A longer wheelbase generally provides more legroom for passengers and contributes to a smoother ride by better absorbing road irregularities. The 2,380 mm wheelbase is fairly standard for compact station wagons of that time, allowing the Mazda 323 I Station Wagon to balance interior comfort with a compact exterior profile. Passengers could expect reasonable rear-seat legroom, while the vehicle maintained agility and stability on the road.

The Mazda 323 I Station Wagon (FA) was designed with practical cargo capacity in mind. While specific boot volume figures vary depending on seat configuration, it typically offers around 300 to 400 liters (10.6 to 14.1 cubic feet) of luggage space with rear seats upright. By folding down the rear seats, cargo capacity significantly increases, accommodating larger items or bulkier loads commonly needed by families, like strollers, sports equipment, or groceries. This flexibility ensured that the 323 Station Wagon could serve typical family transportation needs well, combining passenger comfort with a versatile cargo area.

Yes, the Mazda 323 I Station Wagon (FA) comfortably fits into a standard home garage. Most typical single-car garages have dimensions of approximately 2,400 to 2,700 mm (7.9 to 8.9 feet) wide and 5,000 to 6,000 mm (16.4 to 19.7 feet) deep. Given the Mazda’s length of about 4,200 mm (165.4 inches or 13.8 feet), width of 1,615 mm (63.6 inches or 5.3 feet), and height of 1,370 mm (53.9 inches or 4.5 feet), there is ample room for the vehicle to be parked safely with space for opening doors and storing additional items. Its modest footprint is one of the reasons for its appeal to urban and suburban buyers with standard-sized garages.

The Mazda 323 I Station Wagon (FA) typically weighs in the range of 950 to 1,050 kilograms (2,094 to 2,315 pounds), depending on trim and equipment levels. This weight is relatively light compared to other station wagons from the late 1970s and early 1980s, many of which weighed over 1,100 kg (2,425 pounds). The lighter weight contributed positively to fuel efficiency, handling agility, and general driving dynamics, making the 323 easier to maneuver and more economical to operate. Its modest curb weight was well-suited for the compact class and urban environments the car was aimed at.

The Mazda 323 I Station Wagon (FA) introduced from 1978 onwards was an evolution over its predecessor, the Mazda 323 1200/1300 Station Wagon. In terms of size, the FA generation generally became slightly larger and more refined, offering improved interior space and cargo capacity. Design-wise, it moved toward a more modern and aerodynamic shape consistent with late 1970s trends, with smoother edges and better proportions. This generation also benefited from engineering improvements, including enhanced suspension tuning for a more comfortable ride. Overall, it represented a step forward in packaging, usability, and styling compared to the earlier model.

The Mazda 323 I Station Wagon (FA) was generally equipped with small displacement four-cylinder engines typical of compact cars in its era. Engine sizes ranged from around 1.2 liters to 1.3 liters, employing carburetor fuel systems and producing modest power outputs generally between 55 and 70 horsepower (41 to 52 kW). Performance was geared towards fuel economy and reliability rather than sportiness, with 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration times often exceeding 15 seconds. However, these specifications made the vehicle economical, easy to maintain, and suitable for daily commuting and family use.

Compared with similar compact station wagons from the late 1970s and early 1980s, such as the Toyota Corolla Wagon or the Volkswagen Passat Variant, the Mazda 323 I Station Wagon (FA) held its own with a competitive dimension set. It tended to be slightly smaller in length and width compared to some rivals, which enhanced maneuverability but slightly limited interior spaciousness. However, the Mazda was praised for its efficient use of interior space, functional cargo area, and lightweight construction. These attributes made it an affordable and practical choice for buyers seeking compact wagon versatility without the bulk of larger models.

The Mazda 323 I Station Wagon (FA) was designed to accommodate five passengers comfortably within its compact footprint. Front seating offered adequate headroom and legroom for average-sized adults, generally around 980 mm (38.6 inches) of front headroom and about 1,000 mm (39.4 inches) of legroom, which was typical for compact cars of its era. Rear seats also provided reasonable space, with slightly less legroom but enough for short to medium journeys. The interior focused on efficiency and practicality, with seating surfaces and materials designed for durability and comfort in everyday family use.