1987 Opel Corsa A (facelift 1987) Dimensions, Size & Specs

Yes, the Opel Corsa A facelift comfortably fits into a standard household garage. Typical garage dimensions usually provide at least 2400 mm (94.5 inches) of width and 4800 mm (189 inches) of length, so with the Corsa's compact dimensions—3622 mm (142.6 inches) long and 1532 mm (60.3 inches) wide—it occupies less space than the average vehicle footprint. This makes parking and storage very convenient for owners, meaning the car can be safely housed indoors without modifications or concerns about spatial constraints.

The Opel Corsa A facelift has a curb weight ranging between 740 kg and 855 kg (about 1631 to 1885 lbs), with a maximum weight between 1215 kg and 1315 kg (approximately 2678 to 2899 lbs). This lightweight design contributes to nimble handling, responsiveness, and relatively low fuel consumption typical for small hatchbacks of its era. The lower weight helps the vehicle accelerate more efficiently and maneuver easily in urban traffic. However, the maximum weight rating indicates how much the vehicle can safely carry including passengers and cargo, which impacts ride comfort and braking distances when fully loaded.

The Opel Corsa A facelift features a ground clearance of 140 mm (5.5 inches). This moderate clearance is sufficient for most urban and paved road conditions, providing a balance between stability and the ability to handle minor irregularities or speed bumps without scraping the underside. While it is not designed for off-road use or rough terrain, the clearance ensures the car remains practical in everyday driving environments, including poorly maintained roads or moderate potholes.

The Opel Corsa A facelift offers a luggage capacity of 270 liters (9.5 cubic feet) with rear seats up, which increases up to 1060 liters (37.4 cubic feet) when the rear seats are folded down. This flexible cargo space allows owners to adjust the interior layout for either passenger comfort or larger cargo loads. While 270 liters is modest compared to larger vehicles, it is quite practical for daily errands, grocery shopping, and small luggage when traveling. Folding the rear seats extends utility significantly, making this car suitable for carrying bulkier items or more extensive gear on trips.

The Opel Corsa A facelift supports rims sized 13 inches and 14 inches, specifically 13,14,5J x 14. Compatible tire sizes include 145/70 R13, 165/65 R14, 165/70 R13, and 175/65 R14. The choice of tire and rim size affects ride quality, grip, and handling. Smaller 13-inch rims with thinner tires usually offer a softer ride and greater comfort, while larger 14-inch rims with wider tires enhance grip and cornering stability. The tire size options provide versatility depending on the driver's preference for comfort or sportier handling.

The Opel Corsa A facelift (1987-1990) maintains very similar exterior dimensions to its predecessor, with slight styling and feature updates rather than major size changes. Both share the compact footprint necessary for city driving, with length around 3622 mm and width near 1532 mm. The facelift mainly improved aesthetic elements, interior refinements, and minor technical upgrades without significantly altering the car's size profile. This continuity ensured the vehicle retained its appeal as an agile, easy-to-park hatchback while benefiting from design and equipment improvements.

In comparison to similar subcompact hatchbacks from the late 1980s, such as the Ford Fiesta Mk2, Volkswagen Polo Mk2, and Renault 5, the Opel Corsa A facelift is very competitive dimensionally. It measures 3622 mm in length and 1532 mm in width, slightly smaller or similar to these rivals, which typically ranged from about 3600 to 3800 mm in length and 1500 to 1600 mm in width. This size helped Opel offer a vehicle that was both practical for urban environments and competitive in interior space and maneuverability. Each model had its own take on cargo and passenger space, but the Corsa's folded rear seat capacity of 1060 liters was generous for its class.

The Opel Corsa A facelift provides a compact but functional interior layout designed to comfortably seat four passengers with sufficient headroom and legroom for its class. Its relatively low height of 1365 mm contributes to a cozy cabin atmosphere. The folding rear seats significantly increase cargo versatility, enhancing usability beyond daily commuting. Although not spacious by modern standards, the interior layout of the facelifted Corsa was optimized for practicality and ergonomics, featuring improved dashboard design and controls compared to earlier models.

Given its compact dimensions, relatively light curb weight (740-855 kg), and moderate ground clearance of 140 mm, the Opel Corsa A facelift is ideally suited for urban and suburban driving. Its small size makes it highly maneuverable in traffic, easy to park, and efficient in fuel consumption. The car's construction supports comfortable driving on paved roads and in city settings, while light weight aids handling and acceleration. However, it is not intended for rough off-road conditions or heavy cargo hauling, making it less suitable for rural or rugged terrain uses.