1983 Mitsubishi Space Wagon I Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Mitsubishi Space Wagon I features a wheelbase of approximately 2,650 mm (104 inches). The wheelbase, the distance between the front and rear axles, plays a significant role in interior legroom, ride comfort, and stability. For the Space Wagon I, this wheelbase provides a stable ride quality typical for minivans of its era and enables a spacious second and third row seating configuration. The elongated wheelbase compared to smaller cars allows for better legroom both in the second row and optional third-row seats, making it a practical family vehicle with flexibility for passengers and cargo arrangements.

The Mitsubishi Space Wagon I has a width of about 1,695 mm (67 inches), which was relatively narrow compared to some contemporaneous minivans, especially those from North American manufacturers that often exceeded 1,900 mm (75 inches) in width. This narrower width made the Space Wagon I well-suited for tighter urban environments and roads with less clearance. However, despite this narrower width, Mitsubishi was able to maintain a spacious interior through smart packaging and a boxy design. The trade-off was less shoulder room inside compared to wider competitors, but this often did not detract significantly from overall passenger comfort.

The height of the Mitsubishi Space Wagon I is approximately 1,750 mm (69 inches). This relatively tall stature is typical for minivans, optimized to provide ample vertical space inside the cabin. One key benefit of this height is generous headroom for all passengers, including those in the middle and rear rows, contributing to a comfortable and airy interior atmosphere. It also allows for higher seating positions, which improves driver visibility and makes ingress and egress easier for passengers.

The curb weight of the Mitsubishi Space Wagon I generally ranged between 1,300 kg and 1,450 kg (2,866 to 3,197 lbs), depending on the specific trim and engine configurations. This relatively light weight for a minivan of its size helped optimize fuel efficiency and handling characteristics. A lower curb weight contributes to less energy required to propel the vehicle, translating into improved fuel economy and agility on the road. However, it also means the vehicle may feel lighter and less planted than heavier competitors, which might affect ride comfort and noise insulation slightly.

The Mitsubishi Space Wagon I was designed primarily as a family-oriented minivan and typically offered seating for seven passengers. The standard layout usually included two front bucket seats, a versatile three-seat second row that could slide or fold, and a three-seat third row in some versions. This 7-passenger capacity made it ideal for larger families or groups, combining passenger versatility with cargo space. Some configurations allowed for flexible seat folding or removal, enhancing the vehicle's utility for cargo transport when fewer passengers were carried.

Yes, the Mitsubishi Space Wagon I generally fits comfortably into a standard domestic garage. With an approximate length of 4,400 mm (173 inches or about 14.3 feet) and width of 1,695 mm (67 inches or about 5.6 feet), the vehicle is compact enough for most typical home garages, which are usually designed to accommodate vehicles up to about 5,000 mm (16.4 feet) in length and 2,400 mm (7.8 feet) in width. The relatively modest height of approximately 1,750 mm (69 inches) also ensures clearance in garages with standard ceiling heights. Overall, owners should not face any significant challenges parking this minivan in their home garages.

The Mitsubishi Space Wagon I was the first generation of the Space Wagon line and effectively served as Mitsubishi’s entry into the compact minivan segment during the early 1980s. Therefore, there is no direct predecessor model under the Space Wagon name to compare it with, making it a pioneering design for Mitsubishi. Compared to other Mitsubishi vehicles available before 1984, such as compact wagons or sedans, the Space Wagon I was larger in height and length to meet the growing demand for versatile family transportation. Its design set the baseline for the subsequent generations which would later become larger and more refined in interiors and technology.

When compared to other compact minivans from the mid-1980s to early 1990s—including models like the Toyota Previa or Dodge Caravan—the Mitsubishi Space Wagon I generally offered somewhat more compact exterior dimensions, especially in terms of width and length. While the Dodge Caravan, for example, was larger with a length exceeding 4,800 mm (189 inches), the Space Wagon’s smaller footprint made it especially attractive in markets with narrower roads and tighter parking availability. However, competitors like the Toyota Previa offered more advanced engineering features like rear-mid engine layouts. The Space Wagon’s boxy design and traditional layout provided a more straightforward, practical utility feel, emphasizing functionality over innovation.

The Mitsubishi Space Wagon I was classified as a minivan, designed specifically to blend passenger comfort with cargo versatility. Its design features included sliding rear doors (in some markets), multiple seating configurations for up to seven passengers, and a high-roof cabin to maximize interior volume. Mechanically, it was available with a range of inline-four engines, aimed at balancing adequate performance with fuel economy. The vehicle was built on a front-engine, front-wheel-drive platform, though four-wheel drive versions existed in some markets. It was primarily used as a family vehicle, shuttle, or practical transport vehicle, valued for its reliable engineering and roomy interior for its compact footprint.