Production | |
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Model Year: | 1977 |
Production Years: | 1979 - 1980 discontinued in 1980 |
The Mitsubishi Galant III Wagon was produced between 1979 and 1980, representing the station wagon variant of the third-generation Mitsubishi Galant series introduced in 1977. This wagon was designed to combine family-friendly practicality with the compact mid-size performance characteristics of the Galant lineup during the late 1970s. While detailed specifications such as exact length, width, height, and weight vary depending on the market and specific trim, the Galant III Wagon maintained relatively compact dimensions in line with the mid-size station wagons of its era. It typically offered a balanced profile optimized for interior cargo space and passenger comfort, while adhering to the aerodynamic and stylistic cues of Mitsubishi's third-generation platform. The car's footprint and versatility made it a practical choice for families or users requiring extra loading capacity without stepping into larger vehicle classes. With its classic late-70s Japanese station wagon styling, this model is a notable example of Mitsubishi's efforts to appeal to both domestic and export markets with a reliable, spacious, and efficient wagon. Owners and enthusiasts valuing vintage Japanese cars often appreciate the Galant III Wagon for its solid engineering foundation and its representation of late 1970s automotive trends, combining utilitarian design with the compact mid-sized aesthetic suited for a variety of driving contexts.
Discover the standout features that make the 1977 Mitsubishi Galant III Wagon a leader in its class
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The Mitsubishi Galant III Wagon from 1979 to 1980 features classic compact station wagon dimensions typical of its era. Although exact published dimensions are less commonly found for this specific generation, typical dimensions approximate a length of about 4,350 mm (171.3 inches), a width of around 1,650 mm (64.9 inches), and a height close to 1,400 mm (55.1 inches). These measurements indicate a moderately sized wagon designed for urban and suburban use, offering a good balance between passenger comfort and cargo capacity. These exterior dimensions make it a practical vehicle for those needing extra storage and passenger space without stepping into a full-size wagon.
The interior of the Mitsubishi Galant III Wagon from 1979-1980 was designed to comfortably seat five passengers, including the driver, with reasonable headroom and legroom given its compact station wagon size. The rear cargo area was spacious for its class, benefitting from the wagon body style which allowed for enhanced luggage capacity compared to the sedan version. Folding rear seats increased versatility, enabling users to switch between passenger accommodation and cargo hauling easily. The interior dimensions supported practical family and utility usage typical of station wagons from this period.
Although exact cargo volume figures for the Galant III Wagon (1979-1980) are not frequently documented, station wagons of this era generally offered between 400 to 600 liters (14 to 21 cubic feet) of cargo volume with rear seats up, expanding significantly when rear seats were folded - often doubling the space. The Galant Wagon’s extended rear roofline and hatchback access provided easy loading and unloading, making it practical for transporting groceries, luggage, or small furniture. This wagon format was ideal for families and individuals needing enhanced utility without the bulk of larger wagons or SUVs.
The Mitsubishi Galant III Wagon (1979-1980) generally weighed around 1,100 to 1,200 kilograms (approximately 2,425 to 2,645 pounds), depending on trim and equipment level. This relatively lightweight build was typical of compact station wagons of its time and contributed to decent fuel economy and nimble handling characteristics. The moderate curb weight is complemented by modest engine options, providing adequate acceleration and maneuverability for everyday driving, while also making the vehicle easy to maintain and economical to run amid the less efficient technologies of the late 1970s.
Yes, the Mitsubishi Galant III Wagon from this generation fits comfortably inside a standard residential garage. With an estimated length of approximately 4,350 mm (171.3 inches) and width of about 1,650 mm (64.9 inches), it aligns well with typical garage dimensions which usually range around 5,000 mm (197 inches) in length and about 2,400 mm (94 inches) in width. This means owners should have no trouble parking the Galant III Wagon in standard home garages, leaving enough clearance for car doors to open and maneuvering space around the vehicle.
Compared to the predecessor generation of the Mitsubishi Galant wagon, the Galant III Wagon produced from 1979 to 1980 generally offered a more modern and slightly compact design. The earlier generation tended to be marginally longer and taller, reflecting the styling trends of the early to mid-1970s which favored somewhat larger exterior dimensions. The Galant III’s dimensions were refined for better aerodynamics and urban usability, featuring a sleeker profile and more efficient use of interior space despite a slightly smaller external footprint. This often translated into improved handling and fuel economy benefits without sacrificing passenger or cargo space.
When compared to other late 1970s station wagons, the Mitsubishi Galant III Wagon was a more compact and efficient option. While American wagons of the period often stretched well beyond 4,500 mm (177 inches) in length and were wider, the Galant III focused on a smaller footprint typical of Japanese wagons, with its length near 4,350 mm (171.3 inches) and narrower width around 1,650 mm (64.9 inches). This made it easier to maneuver and park in tighter urban environments while still offering respectable cargo and passenger space. In comparison with its European and Japanese contemporaries, it fitted well within the compact to mid-size wagon segment.
The Mitsubishi Galant III Wagon typically came equipped with inline-4 engines ranging in displacement from 1.6 to 2.0 liters during its production years. These engines were designed more for reliability and fuel efficiency than high performance, delivering power outputs in the range of approximately 70 to 100 horsepower (52 to 75 kW). The relatively lightweight station wagon combined with modest power provided adequate acceleration for everyday driving and highway cruising. The mechanical setup was straightforward, focusing on durability and ease of maintenance, appealing to buyers seeking a practical and economical family transport.
The Mitsubishi Galant III Wagon's fuel economy in the late 1970s and early 1980s generally ranged between 9 to 13 liters per 100 kilometers (approximately 18 to 26 miles per gallon US), depending heavily on the engine size, transmission choice, and driving conditions. The smaller displacement engines were geared to maximize efficiency, providing reasonable fuel consumption given the technology and fuel quality available at the time. Compared to larger, more powerful wagons, the Galant III Wagon presented an economical choice for families needing cargo space without sacrificing fuel efficiency significantly.
Safety and convenience features in the Mitsubishi Galant III Wagon from the late 1970s were modest by modern standards, reflecting the automotive technology of the time. Basic safety equipment typically included seat belts for all seating positions, energy-absorbing steering columns, and reinforced door structures. Advanced safety features such as airbags and ABS brakes were generally not available during this era. Convenience features focused on practicality, with simple but functional interior layouts, manually operated windows and locks, and a standard AM/FM radio unit in some trims. The wagon body style itself contributed significantly to practicality, offering easy rear access and flexible cargo configurations.