1983 Mitsubishi Lancer III Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Mitsubishi Lancer III's curb weight ranges between 835 and 930 kilograms (1841 to 2050 pounds), depending on the specific trim and equipment. Its maximum gross weight, which includes passengers and cargo, ranges from 1340 to 1400 kilograms (2954 to 3086 pounds). This relatively light weight contributes to the car's nimble handling and fuel efficiency.

With a length of 4125 mm (162.2 inches) and width of 1635 mm (64.4 inches), the Mitsubishi Lancer III comfortably fits within a standard home garage. Typical residential garages are about 6 meters (236 inches) in length and 3 meters (118 inches) in width, so the compact size of the Lancer III ensures it can be parked easily without concerns about tight clearance.

Compared to the Lancer II, the Lancer III featured a slightly larger body, with a length of roughly 4125 mm compared to its predecessor's smaller dimensions. The width and height also saw modest increases, contributing to improved interior space and a more aerodynamic profile. This size growth reflected Mitsubishi's goal to offer enhanced comfort and modern styling while retaining the car's compact, practical nature.

The Mitsubishi Lancer III is equipped with 13-inch rims sized 5J x 13. These relatively small wheels complemented the car's lightweight and compact chassis, providing agile handling and responsive steering. While larger rims were less common on sedans at the time, the Lancer III's setup offered a good balance of ride comfort and performance.

During the early 1980s, the Lancer III's dimensions placed it firmly in the compact sedan category, similar in size to cars like the Toyota Corolla AE82 and Honda Civic of that era. With a length of 4125 mm (162 inches) and a modest width, it was slightly shorter but comparable in width to these models. Its lighter weight gave it an advantage in fuel economy and nimble driving dynamics compared to slightly larger sedans.

Given its exterior dimensions of 4125 mm length, 1635 mm width, and 1360 mm height, the Mitsubishi Lancer III was designed as a compact sedan focusing on efficient space utilization. The car offered comfortable seating for up to five passengers with reasonable legroom and headroom for its class during the mid-1980s. The compact width and height contributed to a smaller cabin volume, but clever interior design ensured usability for daily commuting and family trips.

The height of 1360 mm (53.5 inches) and width of 1635 mm (64.4 inches) contribute to a low center of gravity and narrow track width for the Lancer III. This configuration helps the car maintain good stability and cornering ability, especially for a compact sedan of its time. While it might not handle like modern sports cars, the proportions provided a balanced mix of stability and agility on typical roads.

Thanks to its compact size, moderate weight (835 to 930 kg), and efficient design, the Mitsubishi Lancer III was primarily suited for urban commuting, small family use, and economical transportation needs. Its size allowed for easy maneuvering in city environments while also providing enough space for groceries, passengers, or light cargo in daily situations. The vehicle was popular among drivers looking for reliable and affordable transportation during the 1980s.

The Mitsubishi Lancer III distinguished itself with a clean and aerodynamic design for its production period, combined with reliability and practical engineering. Features such as its lightweight chassis and refined suspension contributed to a comfortable driving experience. While it did not necessarily push the envelope with luxury or high technology, the Lancer III was positioned as a durable and budget-friendly compact sedan, making it a strong contender against other key players like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.