1982 Mitsubishi Cordia (A21_A) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Mitsubishi Cordia (A21_A) varies between 925 kg and 970 kg (approximately 2040 to 2138 pounds), while its maximum permissible weight ranges from 1440 kg to 1460 kg (around 3175 to 3219 pounds). The relatively light curb weight enhances maneuverability and fuel efficiency, making the Cordia nimble and responsive on the road. The maximum weight rating accounts for passengers, cargo, and any additional load, ensuring safe operation within manufacturer limits.

The Mitsubishi Cordia (A21_A) offers a ground clearance ranging between 155 mm and 165 mm (approximately 6.1 to 6.5 inches). This moderate ride height provides a balanced combination of handling stability and the ability to navigate moderate bumps or uneven road surfaces comfortably. However, it is optimized more for paved roads and less ideal for rough off-road conditions where higher clearance is preferred.

Yes, the Mitsubishi Cordia (A21_A) fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. With a length of 4275 mm (168.3 inches), a width of around 1660 mm (65.4 inches), and a low profile height of 1320 mm (52 inches), the Cordia is relatively compact compared to many modern vehicles. Standard garage door widths typically range from 2400 mm (94.5 inches) to 2700 mm (106 inches), so the vehicle has ample clearance for easy parking without spatial constraints.

The Mitsubishi Cordia (A21_A) is equipped with tires sized 185/70 R13. These tires combine a width of 185 mm (7.3 inches) with a 70% aspect ratio sidewall height and are mounted on 13-inch diameter wheels. This configuration provides a comfortable balance between ride comfort, grip, and responsive handling, suitable for a compact coupe designed primarily for road use. The relatively tall sidewall helps absorb road imperfections, improving ride smoothness.

The Mitsubishi Cordia (A21_A), introduced in 1982, was a fresh model and did not have a direct predecessor under the same nameplate, marking its debut in the compact coupe segment. Compared to earlier Mitsubishi compact vehicles such as the Lancer or Galant coupes, the Cordia featured a more aerodynamic design and slightly larger dimensions to appeal to customers seeking sportier styling along with practical urban driving capabilities. Its length and width offered a modern footprint relative to earlier 1970s coupes, with an emphasis on lightweight construction and efficiency.

In the early 1980s compact coupe segment, the Mitsubishi Cordia (A21_A) was competitive in size. Its length of 4275 mm (168.3 in) placed it slightly longer than many contemporaries like the Toyota Corolla coupe or the Honda Civic coupe, which typically measured around 4200 mm. The Cordia’s width of approximately 1660 mm (65.4 in) was comparable to rivals, striking a balance between interior space and urban maneuverability. Its low height (1320 mm or 52 in) enhanced its sporty stance. Overall, it presented a solid combination of size and sporty aesthetics, appealing to drivers seeking compact but comfortable coupes.

The roof load capacity of the Mitsubishi Cordia (A21_A) is rated at 80 kg (approximately 176 pounds). This means the vehicle’s roof can safely support this weight, including rooftop cargo carriers, luggage boxes, or sports equipment like bicycles. However, care should be taken not to exceed this limit to avoid damage to the vehicle’s roof structure or adverse effects on driving stability. The roof load rating is sufficient for typical accessories used for travel or outdoor activities.

While detailed weight distribution statistics for the Mitsubishi Cordia (A21_A) are not extensively documented, the coupe’s lightweight design (curb weight between 925 and 970 kg / 2040 to 2138 lbs) and front-engine layout suggest a front-biased distribution typical of cars in its class and era. This configuration generally results in predictable understeer during aggressive cornering, which is manageable and safe for most drivers. The relatively low ride height and wide tire setup helped improve handling balance and road grip, making the Cordia agile and enjoyable for sporty driving without compromising everyday usability.

The Mitsubishi Cordia (A21_A) offers a compact but intelligently designed interior typical of early 1980s coupes. With its relatively wide body width (1655-1660 mm or 65.2 to 65.4 inches) and low height (1320 mm or 52 inches), it provides comfortable seating for up to four passengers in a 2+2 coupe layout. Front seats offer adequate headroom and legroom for drivers and front passengers, while rear seats are more suitable for short trips or smaller passengers given the coupe’s sloping roofline. Overall, the Cordia balances sporty aesthetics with practical comfort, making it a pleasant ride for city and occasional long-distance travel.