1978 Mitsubishi Sapporo I (A12_) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Mitsubishi Sapporo I (A12_) is equipped with rims sized 5.5J x 14 paired with tires measuring 195/70 R14. This means the car has 14-inch wheels with a rim width of 5.5 inches, and tires that are 195 mm wide with a 70% aspect ratio—meaning the sidewall height is 70% of the tire width. The tire size translates to good road grip with a slightly taller sidewall compared to modern low-profile tires, which provides a comfortable ride while maintaining decent handling characteristics. The width of 195 mm offers a moderate footprint, helping balance traction and fuel efficiency. This setup complements the coupe’s classic sporty dynamic, allowing responsive cornering and a stable ride.

Although specific height data for the Mitsubishi Sapporo I (A12_) isn't widely documented, coupes from this era typically measured between 1.3 and 1.4 meters (51 to 55 inches) tall. The relatively low height contributes positively to aerodynamic efficiency, reducing drag and enhancing fuel economy, which was a valuable attribute during the late 1970s energy concerns. For the driver, the lower roofline offers a sportier feel and a lower center of gravity, improving handling. However, lower height can sometimes mean more limited headroom and slightly restricted visibility compared to taller vehicles, though this is often offset by the coupe’s large windshield and side windows designed to optimize forward and peripheral views.

The Mitsubishi Sapporo I (A12_) coupe's exact weight figures are scarce but generally, cars in this class and era weigh around 1,100 to 1,200 kilograms (approximately 2,425 to 2,645 pounds). The relatively light weight for a coupe of this size improves acceleration, braking, and agility, contributing to a spirited driving experience. This moderate curb weight also positively affects fuel economy. The vehicle's balance would have been designed to provide stability and responsiveness, making it competitive among sporty coupes available during that period.

As a two-door coupe, the Mitsubishi Sapporo I (A12_) prioritizes style and sporty appeal over maximum passenger space. It generally offers comfortable seating for four passengers, with relatively snug rear seats that are suitable mainly for shorter trips or smaller passengers. Front seats provide adequate legroom and headroom consistent with late 1970s coupe designs. The cargo area is modest, typical for the coupe segment, focusing on passenger space rather than extensive luggage capacity. This makes the Sapporo a practical yet sporty choice for individuals or couples who occasionally carry small group passengers and moderate cargo.

Owners of the Mitsubishi Sapporo I (A12_) can typically expect the coupe to fit comfortably into a standard single-car garage, which typically measures around 2.4 to 3 meters (8 to 10 feet) wide and about 5.5 to 6 meters (18 to 20 feet) long. Given the approximate length of 4.3 meters (169 inches), and a width around 1.6 to 1.7 meters (63 to 67 inches), the Sapporo leaves sufficient room for opening doors and maneuvering within the garage. Its low height ensures it clears the majority of standard garage door openings with ease. Overall, owners should have no issues fitting the Mitsubishi Sapporo I into a typical residential garage space.

The Mitsubishi Sapporo I (A12_), produced between 1978 and 1980, is essentially a rebadged and slightly modified version of the Dodge Colt Challenger, sharing many structural and dimensional characteristics with earlier Mitsubishi Galant coupes. Compared to earlier Mitsubishi coupe models, the Sapporo retained a similar compact profile but benefited from updated styling and slightly refined aerodynamics. Dimensionally, changes were relatively modest, with length and width remaining in line with previous generation coupes, focusing instead on modernizing the design and improving driving dynamics. This generation effectively marked Mitsubishi's entry into the sport coupe market outside Japan, bridging older variants with newer global aspirations.

When compared to other sporty coupes from the late 1970s like the Toyota Celica, Ford Capri, and Datsun 240Z, the Mitsubishi Sapporo I (A12_) holds its own with competitive compact dimensions. Generally, these coupes measured between 4.2 and 4.4 meters (165 to 173 inches) in length and roughly 1.6 to 1.7 meters (63 to 67 inches) in width. The Sapporo's tire and wheel size of 195/70 R14 also fits well within the norms for sporty handling of the era. Although it was not the largest or the smallest, the Sapporo's size provided a good balance of agility, interior comfort, and stable high-speed cruising, making it a credible choice among its contemporaries in the sport coupe segment.

The Mitsubishi Sapporo I (A12_) was typically offered with four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines, focusing on a blend of performance and reliability. The six-cylinder variants, often 2.0 or 2.6 liters, delivered respectable power outputs for the time, providing satisfying acceleration and smooth cruising suitable for sporty driving as well as everyday use. Various markets had different engine options and tuning, but generally the car aimed to provide an engaging drive with balanced fuel economy and manageable maintenance costs. Its performance credentials were supported by a well-tuned suspension and drivetrain that made the Sapporo competitive in the sporty coupe segment during the late 1970s.

The Mitsubishi Sapporo I (A12_) comes equipped with 5.5J x 14 wheels paired with 195/70 R14 tires. This wheel size of 14 inches combined with tires having a sidewall height 70% of the 195 mm width provides substantial cushioning over bumps and road irregularities. Such tire specifications contribute to a comfortable ride quality with effective absorption of road imperfections, while ensuring good grip and cornering stability. This setup was common among sport coupes of the era, offering a balance that keeps the car responsive without sacrificing comfort during everyday driving.