1986 Nissan Sunny II Coupe (B12) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Nissan Sunny II Coupe (B12) has a curb weight of approximately 980 kg (2,160 lbs), which is quite light compared to many contemporaneous coupes. This relatively low weight contributed to its responsive handling and better fuel efficiency. Many other coupes of the 1980s often weighed over 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs), so the B12 Sunny stood out for its lightweight construction, aided by smaller rims (13 inches) and compact dimensions, making it a practical and efficient choice for daily driving.

The Nissan Sunny II Coupe (B12) comes equipped with 13-inch rims paired with tire sizes of 175/70 R13. These smaller rims and narrower tires are typical for cars from this period and contribute to a comfortable ride with good road grip suitable for city and light sport driving. While modern cars tend to have larger rims for enhanced styling and performance, these 13-inch tires allow the Sunny II Coupe to maintain a balanced ride, better fuel economy, and affordable tire replacement costs.

Yes, the Nissan Sunny II Coupe (B12), with its compact dimensions (approximately 4,120 mm long and 1,635 mm wide), comfortably fits into a standard residential garage. Standard garage sizes are roughly 2,400 mm (8 feet) wide and 4,800 mm (16 feet) long, so the Sunny’s dimensions leave enough clearance for opening doors and maneuvering inside the space. Owners usually find parking this coupe convenient in urban settings due to its small footprint.

Compared to its predecessor, the original Sunny coupe (B11 generation), the Nissan Sunny II Coupe (B12) maintained a similar overall size but featured subtle refinements in design and packaging. The B12 generation is often slightly longer and wider, enhancing interior space and road presence. While the weight remained fairly consistent, improvements in chassis rigidity and styling gave the B12 a more modern and aerodynamic silhouette. However, dimensional changes were moderate, preserving the compact and agile character that defined the model line.

When compared to similar sporty compact coupes from manufacturers like Toyota Corolla Coupe or Honda Civic Coupe from the late 1980s, the Nissan Sunny II Coupe (B12) sits comfortably within the same range. It is slightly lighter than many competitors with a curb weight of 980 kg (2,160 lbs), helping with agility and fuel economy. Dimensionally, its length around 4.1 meters and width about 1.6 meters make it compact relative to rivals, which often were either marginally larger or heavier depending on engine size and equipment levels. Overall, the B12 Coupe was competitive in offering a balanced package of size, weight, and sporty handling.

The Nissan Sunny II Coupe (B12) has a maximum weight (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of approximately 1,680 kg (3,704 lbs). This means it can safely carry its curb weight of 980 kg plus an additional 700 kg (about 1,543 lbs) of passengers and cargo combined. This capacity is sufficient for four occupants with reasonable luggage, though as a compact coupe, rear passenger and trunk space are limited compared to larger sedans. The car's suspension and braking systems were designed to handle this maximum load reliably, ensuring safety and comfort.

The Nissan Sunny II Coupe (B12) provides a driver-focused compact cabin typical of 1980s coupes. While front seating is reasonably comfortable with decent legroom and headroom, rear seats are more suited for occasional passengers or children due to limited space and reduced head clearance caused by the sloping coupe roofline. The trunk offers moderate capacity suited for everyday errands but is smaller than larger sedans or hatchbacks. Overall, the interior balances sporty styling with practicality, ideal for singles or small families who prioritize style and compact size.

The Nissan Sunny II Coupe (B12) introduced several design updates over its production span. It featured sharper, more aerodynamic body lines compared to the previous generation, along with updated front and rear styling that included sleeker headlights and redesigned bumpers. The interior saw modest improvements in ergonomics and material quality, aligning with late 1980s trends. These updates aimed to give the B12 a fresher, more contemporary look while retaining the lightweight and agile characteristics that made it popular among young buyers seeking affordable sportiness.

The choice of 13-inch rims paired with 175/70 R13 tires on the Nissan Sunny II Coupe (B12) contributes to a ride quality that balances comfort and control. Smaller rims with relatively tall tire sidewalls absorb road imperfections better than larger wheels with low-profile tires, resulting in a smoother and more compliant ride — especially important on rough or uneven surfaces. Additionally, these narrow tires reduce rolling resistance, which enhances fuel efficiency. This setup complements the car's light weight by providing nimble handling without sacrificing everyday ride comfort.