- Home
- Brands
Mitsubishi- Colt Lancer
- 1979 Colt Lancer (A7_)
Mitsubishi1979 Mitsubishi Colt Lancer (A7_) Dimensions, Size & Specs| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1979 |
| Production Years: | 1978 - 1979 discontinued in 1979 |
The Mitsubishi Colt Lancer (A7_) is a classic compact sedan produced by Mitsubishi Motors during a short production period from 1978 to 1979. This generation of the Colt Lancer, marketed primarily in 1979, showcases Mitsubishi's engineering approach to compact sedans of the late 1970s. The Colt Lancer (A7_) was designed as a practical and efficient vehicle, catering to those seeking dependable transportation in a small and manageable car size. While detailed dimensional data such as length, width, height, and weight are limited for this specific model, the Colt Lancer (A7_) is known to fit well within the compact car segment standards of its time. Its compact body style provided easy maneuverability and convenience in urban environments, typical of sedans produced in that era. With a focus on essential features and a modest footprint, the 1979 Colt Lancer (A7_) remains a noteworthy example of late 1970s Japanese compact sedans. It reflects Mitsubishi's dedication to producing vehicles that balance functionality, size economy, and reliability, maintaining relevance among vintage car enthusiasts and collectors.
Discover the standout features that make the 1979 Mitsubishi Colt Lancer a leader in its class
Have a question? Please check our knowledgebase first.
The 1979 Mitsubishi Colt Lancer (A7_) sedan measures approximately 3,995 mm (157.3 inches) in length, 1,620 mm (63.8 inches) in width, and around 1,335 mm (52.6 inches) in height. These compact dimensions were typical of subcompact sedans from the late 1970s, providing a size that was suitable for urban driving and parking while still offering enough interior space for a small family. Its relatively small width and moderate height made it easy to maneuver in tight city environments, and its length helped maintain a balance between interior roominess and external compactness.
The 1979 Mitsubishi Colt Lancer (A7_) was an evolution from the earlier Colt models, featuring modest increases in overall size to improve interior comfort and driving stability. Compared to its predecessor, this generation was slightly longer and wider, enhancing passenger space without significantly affecting maneuverability. While precise predecessor dimensions vary, the A7_ generation improved upon the compact footprint by optimizing vehicle design, ensuring better aerodynamics and interior ergonomics. This blend of compact external dimensions with improved internal volume showed Mitsubishi's intent to modernize the Colt Lancer for late 1970s road conditions and expectations.
Yes, the 1979 Mitsubishi Colt Lancer (A7_) fits comfortably into a standard home garage. The typical width of a single-car garage ranges from about 2,400 mm to 3,000 mm (94.5 to 118 inches), and the Colt's width is 1,620 mm (63.8 inches), leaving ample clearance on each side for opening doors and storage. Similarly, its length of nearly 4 meters (157.3 inches) also fits without issue in the average garage length of about 5,500 mm (216.5 inches) or more. Thus, the Colt Lancer's compact size made it very suitable for residential parking spaces common in urban and suburban areas of the time.
The typical curb weight for the Colt Lancer (A7_) ranges roughly between 900 to 1,000 kilograms (approximately 1984 to 2205 pounds), depending on specific trim and equipment. This relatively light weight contributed to nimble handling characteristics, good fuel economy, and ease of maneuverability—essential traits for a subcompact sedan designed for city and short-distance driving. The lightweight frame also helped to deliver a responsive driving experience, though it might have had less road presence than heavier vehicles. Overall, the manageable curb weight was a factor in its appeal to drivers valuing efficiency and practicality during the late 1970s.
While detailed official interior dimensions for the Mitsubishi Colt Lancer (A7_) from 1979 are scarce, subcompact sedans of this period typically offered modest but comfortable interior space. Headroom was approximately around 900-950 mm (35.4-37.4 inches) for front passengers, with slightly less for rear occupants due to sloping rooflines. Legroom for front seats would be in the range of 1,000-1,100 mm (39.4-43.3 inches), providing adequate space for driver and front passenger comfort. Rear legroom was somewhat tighter but still usable for short to medium trips. Overall, the interior design prioritized efficient use of space to maximize comfort within a compact footprint.
Compared to other subcompact sedans from the late 1970s, such as the Toyota Corolla E30 or the Datsun 120Y, the Mitsubishi Colt Lancer (A7_) was quite competitive in terms of external dimensions. Its length of approximately 3,995 mm (157.3 inches) and width of 1,620 mm (63.8 inches) put it right in the average range for this segment, offering similar space and footprint for consumers. The Colt Lancer's compact size made it practical for tight city streets while offering typical passenger and cargo capacities competitive with its Japanese and European rivals. Its size reflected the global focus on smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles prevalent during this time.
The Mitsubishi Colt Lancer (A7_) in 1979 typically featured a range of small displacement engines designed for economy and reliability. Most models were equipped with inline-4 gasoline engines ranging from about 1.2 to 1.4 liters, delivering enough power for daily commuting and light driving conditions. The engines were carbureted, consistent with technology of the time, and tuned for fuel efficiency rather than high performance. These powertrains reflected Mitsubishi’s emphasis on affordability and practicality, targeting buyers looking for economical transportation in the subcompact sedan market.
The fuel tank capacity of the 1979 Mitsubishi Colt Lancer (A7_) is approximately 40 liters (about 10.6 US gallons). Combined with the vehicle’s efficient small-engine design and lightweight construction, this fuel capacity allows for a practical driving range of roughly 500 to 600 kilometers (310 to 373 miles) on a full tank under typical mixed driving conditions. This made it well-suited for both urban commutes and modest longer trips without frequent refueling, enhancing its appeal as an economical and reliable transportation option during the late 1970s.
The Mitsubishi Colt Lancer (A7_) sedan has a wheelbase measuring approximately 2,350 mm (92.5 inches), which reflects the distance between the front and rear wheels. This wheelbase length provided a balance between stability and maneuverability, ensuring comfortable ride quality without sacrificing responsive handling. Ground clearance typically ranged around 150 mm (5.9 inches), typical for small sedans of the period, providing sufficient clearance for urban and mild rural roads without compromising ride comfort. These dimensions aided in delivering a smooth driving experience, responsive steering, and good stability.
While the 1979 Mitsubishi Colt Lancer (A7_) was a practical and economical choice for its time, modern subcompact sedans offer significant advances in safety, technology, efficiency, and comfort. The Colt Lancer’s compact size, lightweight construction, and modest engine options made it an urban-friendly car with good fuel economy during the late 1970s. However, by today’s standards, it lacks modern safety features such as airbags and anti-lock brakes, and its fuel efficiency is generally outperformed by current vehicles. Nevertheless, the Colt Lancer remains a noteworthy classic for enthusiasts appreciating vintage Japanese engineering, compact design, and simplicity.
