1979 Mazda 929 I (LA) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The wheelbase of the Mazda 929 I (LA) sedan is approximately 2,520 mm (99.2 inches). This relatively long wheelbase for its class contributes significantly to passenger comfort and ride smoothness. A longer wheelbase means the wheels are spaced further apart, which enhances stability, reduces body roll in corners, and generally provides a more comfortable ride on uneven roads by better absorbing bumps. For rear passengers, the increased distance between the axles often translates to more legroom, making long journeys more pleasant in this generation of the 929.

The Mazda 929 I (LA) sedan typically has a curb weight around 1,280 to 1,350 kg (2,820 to 2,976 pounds), depending on trim and options. This moderate weight reflects a balance between solid build quality and efficiency considerations for the era. The weight influences the vehicle's acceleration, braking, and fuel economy characteristics. Being relatively light compared to larger luxury sedans, the 929 I could deliver responsive handling and better fuel efficiency for its engine class, contributing to a pleasant driving experience while keeping running costs manageable.

The interior space of the Mazda 929 I (LA) sedan is generous for its category and time, designed to comfortably accommodate five passengers. While exact passenger volume figures vary, the cabin offers ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room, partly thanks to the sedan's 4,585 mm (180.5 inches) length and 2,520 mm (99.2 inches) wheelbase. The rear seats fold or come with a pass-through in some trims, allowing flexible cargo options. The trunk capacity is sizeable, typically around 400 to 450 liters (14.1 to 15.9 cubic feet), providing practical luggage space for everyday use and longer trips.

With a width of approximately 1,695 mm (66.7 inches), the Mazda 929 I (LA) sedan is relatively narrow compared to later larger sedans, which makes it practical for urban driving. Its compact width allows for easier maneuvering in tight parking lots and city garages, reducing the risk of door dings and facilitating parallel parking. Drivers in congested urban areas of the late 1970s and early 1980s would have appreciated this manageable footprint, as it struck a good balance between comfortable interior space and the ability to navigate narrow streets and parking structures.

A standard residential garage typically measures around 2.4 to 2.7 meters (8 to 9 feet) in width and about 5.0 to 6.0 meters (16.4 to 19.7 feet) in length. The Mazda 929 I (LA), with dimensions of roughly 4,585 mm (180.5 inches) long and 1,695 mm (66.7 inches) wide, fits comfortably within these confines. The length leaves sufficient clearance for maneuvering and storage, while the width fits well within typical garage door openings and interior widths. This makes it a practical choice for owners concerned about garage compatibility and ease of parking at home.

Compared to its predecessor, the Mazda 929 series models from the mid-1970s, the 929 I (LA) grew slightly in overall dimensions to offer enhanced interior spaciousness and road presence. While the previous generation was a bit shorter and narrower, the 929 I lengthened the wheelbase and overall length to improve passenger comfort and stability. The modest increase in size maintained the car's suitability as a mid-size sedan but allowed Mazda to move the model slightly upmarket with better interior space and more refined driving dynamics. This evolution exemplified Mazda's intent to better meet customer demands for comfort without sacrificing agility.

The Mazda 929 I (LA) from 1979 to 1986 is generally sized in line with other mid-size sedans of its era such as the Toyota Cressida, Nissan Laurel, and the European Ford Granada. Its length around 4,585 mm (180.5 in) and width near 1,695 mm (66.7 in) make it competitive but slightly more compact than some American mid-size sedans, which tended to be larger. Compared to rivals, the 929 offered a blend of domestic Japanese efficiency with dimensions favoring maneuverability without compromising cabin space, appealing well to buyers who wanted a comfortable yet manageable sedan for both urban and highway use.

The Mazda 929 I (LA), produced from 1979 to 1986, was Mazda's flagship sedan offering in many global markets. It was positioned as a mid-size sedan with a focus on a blend of comfort, reliability, and performance. This generation often featured engine options ranging from inline-4s to inline-6s, providing smooth power delivery for its class. Interior appointments included plush seating and amenities that elevated driver and passenger experience relative to Mazda's more economy-oriented models. The 929 I catered to buyers seeking an affordable yet well-appointed sedan with respectable space and driving dynamics, making it a reputable choice in its competitive segment during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

When comparing the Mazda 929 I (LA) to modern sedans, it's important to consider its 4,585 mm (180.5 in) length, 1,695 mm (66.7 in) width, and 1,395 mm (54.9 in) height as compact for today's standards, where many mid-size sedans have grown larger in dimensions for increased interior volume and safety features. The 2,520 mm (99.2 in) wheelbase contributes to a comfortable ride but may be shorter than current competitors offering expansive rear legroom. Its curb weight of about 1,300 kg (2,870 lbs) is typically lighter than modern cars, which include advanced safety and comfort equipment that add bulk. These specs reveal the 929 I as a classic mid-size sedan more focused on driving feel and compactness than the bigger modern luxury and tech-oriented models.