Production | |
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Model Year: | 1974 |
Production Years: | 1973 - 1988 discontinued in 1988 |
The Peugeot 104 Coupe, produced between 1973 and 1988, represents one of Peugeot's hallmark compact coupé offerings of the 1970s and 1980s. Introduced in 1974 as part of the 104 model family, this vehicle combined the practicality of a compact car with a sportier two-door coupé design, making it a popular choice among urban drivers who favored style along with functionality. Although exact dimensions vary slightly depending on model year and trim, the Peugeot 104 Coupe generally measured around 3.7 meters (145.7 inches) in length, 1.5 meters (59.1 inches) in width, and approximately 1.33 meters (52.4 inches) in height. This compact footprint made the 104 Coupe highly maneuverable and easy to park, ideal for city environments. Its lightweight design, weighing approximately 800 to 850 kilograms (1,764 to 1,874 pounds), contributed to agile handling and efficient fuel consumption. The Peugeot 104 Coupe was powered by a range of small-displacement engines, spanning from 1.0 to 1.4 liters, which, paired with its lightweight frame, provided spirited driving dynamics for its class. The styling features a sleek roofline and sharp rear window, amplifying its coupe appeal without sacrificing interior space. Its compact dimensions set it apart from larger coupés of the time while making it a comfortable option for two to four passengers. Overall, the Peugeot 104 Coupe remains a significant classic within Peugeot’s history, appreciated for its combination of compact size, distinctive coupe design, and efficient urban-friendly performance, capturing the essence of 1970s European small car innovation.
Discover the standout features that make the 1974 Peugeot 104 Coupe a leader in its class
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The Peugeot 104 Coupe, produced between 1973 and 1988, is a compact two-door coupe known for its small footprint. It has an approximate length of 3,695 mm (145.5 inches), a width around 1,545 mm (60.8 inches), and a height close to 1,320 mm (51.9 inches). These dimensions made the 104 Coupe maneuverable and ideal for urban driving, providing a sporty yet compact package. Its low height and modest width contribute to its sleek coupe styling and help it fit easily in tight parking spaces.
The Peugeot 104 Coupe typically weighs around 800 to 900 kg (1,764 to 1,984 lbs), depending on the specific model and trim. This relatively light curb weight enhances the car's agility and fuel efficiency, making it nimble on winding roads and easy to handle in city traffic. The light chassis contributes to a sporty driving experience characteristic of small European coupes of its era. Additionally, the modest weight aids in quicker acceleration and better braking performance compared to heavier vehicles in the same segment.
The Peugeot 104 Coupe offers seating for up to four occupants, although rear seat space is best suited for children or shorter trips due to the compact coupe layout. The interior prioritizes driver and front passenger comfort with supportive seats and a functional dashboard. Cargo space is limited because of the coupe’s design and small size; the trunk capacity is modest, roughly estimated around 200 liters (7 cubic feet), suitable for everyday items but less ideal for bulky luggage. Overall, the interior space reflects the vehicle's focus on sporty styling over spaciousness.
Yes, the Peugeot 104 Coupe comfortably fits into a standard residential garage. With a length of approximately 3.7 meters (about 12.1 feet), a width of 1.55 meters (about 5.1 feet), and a height of 1.32 meters (about 4.3 feet), its compact dimensions are well below the typical garage sizes found in most homes. Standard garages generally have a clear width of at least 2.44 meters (8 feet) and a length exceeding 5 meters (16 feet), so parking the 104 Coupe inside is hassle-free and convenient.
The Peugeot 104 Coupe was effectively introduced as a sportier and more stylish variant of the Peugeot 104 hatchback rather than a replacement generation, as the 104 itself debuted in 1972. Compared to its predecessor models and the regular 3-door hatchback, the Coupe maintained similar compact dimensions but featured a redesigned two-door body with a sleeker roofline and a slightly lower height. This gave it a sportier stance, enhancing its appeal among enthusiasts seeking style and agility while retaining the small footprint characteristic of the 104 range.
The Peugeot 104 Coupe distinguished itself among compact European coupes of the 1970s and 1980s through its lightweight design, practical yet sporty layout, and efficient use of space. Unlike some of its contemporaries that emphasized either pure performance or luxury, the 104 Coupe balanced nimble city-friendly dimensions with spirited driving characteristics. It was also among the first small cars to offer a coupe body style derived from a hatchback platform, which was innovative at the time. Its combination of modest size, fuel economy, and sporty appearance made it a unique choice in the subcompact coupe market.
The Peugeot 104 Coupe features a wheelbase of approximately 2,230 mm (87.8 inches), which is compact and contributes to its agility in urban and tight driving conditions. The track width, front and rear, is around 1,280 mm (50.4 inches), providing a stable stance relative to the car’s size. These dimensions help the 104 Coupe deliver nimble handling characteristics, as a shorter wheelbase allows for sharp cornering, and a relatively narrow track keeps the car light and responsive. The geometry was well-suited for spirited driving, especially in the tight European road networks.
The Peugeot 104 Coupe was offered with several small-engine options throughout its production from 1973 to 1988. These included four-cylinder petrol engines ranging from approximately 954 cc to 1,360 cc. Early versions had around 49 horsepower, with later models and sportier trims producing up to 80 horsepower. The variety in small displacement engines allowed for economical city driving and practical use while the sportier versions provided enough power for enjoyable driving dynamics, fitting well with the coupe’s lightweight character.
Over its 15-year production run, the Peugeot 104 Coupe saw subtle design updates and occasional dimension tweaks to keep pace with evolving automotive standards and consumer preferences. While the core compact size remained constant, exterior styling was refreshed with updated bumpers, lighting, and interior fittings to enhance comfort and usability. The overall length, width, and height stayed relatively stable, preserving its iconic compact coupe silhouette. Mechanically, Peugeot introduced more efficient engines and refined suspension setups to improve the driving experience and meet changing emission regulations.
The Peugeot 104 Coupe’s compact dimensions, lightweight construction, and tight turning radius make it highly suitable for modern urban environments, especially in crowded or narrow city streets. Although its interior space and features are simpler by today’s standards, its small footprint remains an advantage over many modern subcompacts, which have generally grown larger. However, the vintage design means it lacks modern safety, comfort, and technology features common today. Enthusiasts value it mostly for classic styling and fun driving, rather than modern-day practicality or advanced amenities.