1981 Nissan Stanza Hatchback (T11) Dimensions, Size & Specs

Production
Model Year:1981
Production Years:1981 - 1985 discontinued in 1985
Useful Information

About 1981 Nissan Stanza Hatchback

The Nissan Stanza Hatchback (T11), produced from 1981 to 1985, marked a notable generation of Nissan’s compact hatchback lineup in the early 1980s. Designed as a practical and versatile vehicle, the T11 Stanza Hatchback offered a blend of efficiency, handling, and style that appealed to drivers looking for an affordable compact car with hatchback flexibility. The hatchback layout provided a spacious cargo area accessible via a rear liftgate, making it suitable for both everyday commuting and light cargo transport.

Dimensionally, the Nissan Stanza T11 was crafted to fit comfortably within the compact car segment, helping it navigate urban environments with relative ease. While exact dimensions may vary slightly by market, the Stanza hatchback typically measured around 4,230 mm (166.5 inches) in length, with a width close to 1,665 mm (65.6 inches) and a height near 1,370 mm (53.9 inches). This relatively compact footprint contributed to better maneuverability and parking convenience. The weight of the vehicle ranged approximately between 1,000 to 1,100 kg (2,205 to 2,425 lbs), enhancing fuel efficiency and making the driving experience nimble.

Powered by a range of four-cylinder engines during its production, the T11 Stanza balanced performance with economy. It was aimed at buyers seeking reliability and cost-effective operation, common priorities during the early 1980s when fuel efficiency started to gain prominence. The hatchback's design included a functional interior space with seating for five occupants, making it practical for small families or individual drivers who needed extra cargo flexibility.

In the context of its era, the Nissan Stanza Hatchback T11 competed with other compact hatchbacks from manufacturers like Toyota, Honda, and Volkswagen, offering a competitive size and design. Its dimensions and versatility remain a reference point for those interested in 1980s compact hatchbacks. Overall, the Nissan Stanza T11 hatchback is remembered as a dependable and reasonably sized compact car that effectively met the needs of drivers seeking efficient urban transportation with practical cargo solutions.

Exceptional Features

1981 Nissan Stanza Hatchback Highlights

Discover the standout features that make the 1981 Nissan Stanza Hatchback a leader in its class

Engine Options

The 1981 Nissan Stanza Hatchback (T11) typically came with a range of inline-four engines, including 1.8L and 2.0L SOHC gasoline engines, delivering a balance of efficiency and moderate power suited for compact cars of its era.

Transmission

The model offered both a 4-speed manual and a 3-speed automatic transmission, providing options for driver preference between sporty engagement or ease of use.

Body Style

Featuring a practical and compact hatchback design, the T11 Nissan Stanza had a five-door layout providing versatile cargo space and improved rear accessibility.

Fuel Efficiency

Designed during a time of fuel economy concerns, the 1981 Stanza Hatchback was praised for its relatively good fuel economy, making it an economical choice for daily commuting.

Suspension and Handling

The car included MacPherson strut front suspension and a multilink rear suspension which contributed to improved ride comfort and handling stability for a compact car.
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

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The 1981 Nissan Stanza Hatchback (T11) measures approximately 4,255 mm (167.5 inches) in length, 1,620 mm (63.8 inches) in width, and around 1,345 mm (52.9 inches) in height. These dimensions make the T11 hatchback a compact vehicle suitable for urban driving and parking, providing a balance between interior space and maneuverability. The car's moderate width allows it to navigate narrow streets comfortably, while its height gives it a lower profile compared to taller vehicles, aiding aerodynamic efficiency. These dimensions also reflect the automotive design trends of the early 1980s compact hatchbacks, focused on practical size without sacrificing passenger comfort.

When compared to other hatchbacks from the early 1980s, the Nissan Stanza Hatchback (T11) falls into the compact segment, similar in size to models like the Toyota Corolla AE82 hatchback and the Honda Civic third generation hatchback. Its length of roughly 4,255 mm (167.5 inches) is typical for compact hatchbacks, offering a good balance between interior space and external footprint. The width of 1,620 mm (63.8 inches) is slightly narrower than some competitors but aligns well with urban driving needs. Overall, the Stanza's dimensions positioned it competitively, providing comfortable seating for four to five passengers and reasonable cargo space, while being easy to park and maneuver compared to larger cars of the period.

Yes, the 1981 Nissan Stanza Hatchback (T11) fits comfortably into a standard home garage. Given its length of about 4,255 mm (167.5 inches), width of 1,620 mm (63.8 inches), and height around 1,345 mm (52.9 inches), it occupies less space than many modern vehicles. Standard garages typically measure approximately 6,000 mm (236 inches) in length and 2,400 mm (94.5 inches) in width, allowing ample clearance around the Stanza for easy parking and access. Its compact size also facilitates maneuverability inside tighter garage spaces, making it a practical choice for homeowners with limited parking area requirements.

The curb weight of the 1981 Nissan Stanza Hatchback (T11) ranges around 1,000 to 1,100 kg (2,205 to 2,425 lbs), depending on specific configuration and market specification. This relatively lightweight design is beneficial for fuel efficiency, as less mass requires less energy to move. Consequently, the Stanza offered competitive fuel economy for its time, making it an economical choice for daily commuting. The hatchback’s weight also contributed to nimble handling characteristics and responsive performance, especially important for drivers navigating urban and suburban roads where agility is valued.

The Nissan Stanza Hatchback (T11) provided a practical interior layout optimized for passenger comfort and cargo versatility in the early 1980s compact hatchback segment. While exact cargo volume varies depending on seat configuration, the hatchback design allowed for significantly more flexible storage compared to sedan variants, with rear seats folding down to increase cargo capacity markedly. Passenger space was sufficient for four adults comfortably, with decent legroom and headroom thanks to the efficient use of cabin dimensions. Compared to class contemporaries, the Stanza’s hatchback offered competitive cargo versatility, making it suitable for everyday errands, light hauling, and family use.

The 1981 Nissan Stanza Hatchback (T11) marked a shift in design and size from its predecessor (the T10 series). It was slightly larger overall, with enhanced length and width for improved interior space and stability. While the predecessor T10’s dimensions were more compact, the T11 offered better passenger room and cargo flexibility thanks to its hatchback design. The increase in dimensions also contributed to improved safety features and ride comfort, addressing market demands for more spacious and practical compact cars, while maintaining the Stanza’s characteristic economy and maneuverability.

The 1981 Nissan Stanza Hatchback (T11) typically comes equipped with 13-inch steel wheels with tires sized around 155 SR 13 or similar specifications. These dimensions were standard for compact cars of the early 1980s, balancing ride comfort and handling performance. The relatively modest wheel diameter and tire width contributed to the car's economical operation, lower replacement costs, and ease of maintenance. Additionally, the tire size allowed for adequate grip and stability, suiting the Stanza's lightweight design and its role as a practical everyday vehicle.

The 1981 Nissan Stanza Hatchback (T11) competes closely with contemporaries such as the Toyota Corolla AE82 and Honda Civic third generation hatchbacks in terms of size, performance, and practicality. Dimensionally, the Stanza is similar in length (around 4,255 mm or 167.5 inches) but slightly narrower than some rivals. All these models offer efficient, lightweight designs suitable for urban commuting. The Stanza distinguishes itself with a comfortable cabin layout and a hatchback design that enhances cargo versatility. Performance-wise, it was often competitive with similarly powered engines and fuel economy, making it a strong contender in the compact hatchback market of the early 1980s.

The 1981 Nissan Stanza Hatchback (T11) came with several engine options, typically featuring 4-cylinder gasoline engines ranging from 1.6L to 2.0L in displacement, depending on market and trim level. These engines were designed for reliability, economy, and adequate performance for everyday use. Features included manual or automatic transmissions, basic safety elements common at the time, and a driver-focused interior with straightforward controls. The hatchback body style allowed flexibility in cargo loading and passenger comfort, making it a practical vehicle choice. The Stanza was known for its balance between affordability and dependable performance.

Yes, the 1981 Nissan Stanza Hatchback (T11) is very well-suited for city driving and parking in tight urban spaces. Its compact dimensions—length about 4,255 mm (167.5 inches) and width 1,620 mm (63.8 inches)—allow for easy maneuverability in congested city streets and parking lots. The hatchback design adds further convenience by providing quick and versatile cargo access. Its lightweight and responsive handling contribute to agile driving in traffic and narrow lanes. Overall, the Nissan Stanza (T11) combines practical size and user-friendly handling, making it an excellent option for urban drivers needing a reliable, easy-to-park compact car.

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