| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1972 |
| Production Years: | 1972 - 1988 discontinued in 1988 |
The Peugeot 104, introduced in 1972 and produced until 1988, is a quintessential example of a compact European hatchback from the 1970s and 1980s. Designed primarily as an urban-friendly small car, the Peugeot 104 played a significant role in Peugeot’s lineup as an economical and practical vehicle. This model generation was well-known for its efficient use of space and maneuverability, making it popular among city drivers. The 104’s hatchback design featured a versatile rear door, providing access to a modest cargo area suitable for everyday errands and small family needs. Although specific dimensions varied slightly depending on the exact model and year, the Peugeot 104 typically measured around 3.6 meters (approximately 11.8 feet) in length, with a width close to 1.48 meters (about 4.9 feet) and a height of roughly 1.37 meters (4.5 feet). These compact measurements allowed for easy parking and navigation in tight urban environments. The Peugeot 104 was relatively lightweight, which assisted fuel efficiency and nimble handling. Over its 16-year production span, the Peugeot 104 saw multiple updates and variants, including different engine options and trims, but it consistently remained a small hatchback that emphasized affordability and practicality. Its longstanding production life attests to its success and the niche it filled during its era. Today, the Peugeot 104 is remembered fondly as a classic French city car that combined charm, efficiency, and utility in a compact package.
Discover the standout features that make the 1972 Peugeot 104 a leader in its class
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The Peugeot 104 hatchback, produced between 1972 and 1988, has an overall length of approximately 3,735 mm (147.0 inches). This compact size made it one of the smaller hatchbacks in its era, designed primarily for urban driving and easy maneuverability in narrow European city streets.
The Peugeot 104 measures about 1,475 mm (58.1 inches) in width, making it a very narrow car by modern standards. This slim profile helped the 104 fit easily into tight parking spaces and navigate narrow roads, which is ideal for city environments and congested areas.
The Peugeot 104 has a height of roughly 1,370 mm (53.9 inches). This relatively low height contributes to a sleeker silhouette but limits interior headroom compared to taller modern hatchbacks. Nonetheless, given its compact city car design, the interior space was efficiently arranged for everyday use.
The curb weight of the Peugeot 104 ranges from approximately 735 kg to 860 kg (1,620 - 1,895 lbs), depending on the specific model and equipment. This lightweight nature helped improve fuel economy and provided nimble handling characteristics, making the vehicle responsive and practical for urban driving.
The wheelbase of the Peugeot 104 stands at about 2,315 mm (91.1 inches). This short wheelbase contributes to its excellent maneuverability and tight turning circle but can result in a slightly firmer ride compared to larger cars, as shorter wheelbases usually translate to less absorption of road irregularities.
The Peugeot 104, with its hatchback body style, offers a relatively small but versatile cargo area. While exact liter measurements vary by trim level, typical cargo capacity with rear seats up would range around 200-300 liters (7-11 cubic feet). Folding down the rear seats considerably increases available space for larger items.
Yes, the Peugeot 104 fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Its compact length of approximately 3.74 meters (12.3 feet) and narrow width of 1.48 meters (4.86 feet) mean it requires significantly less parking space than larger vehicles, making it suitable for homes with limited garage space and tight urban parking conditions.
The Peugeot 104 was introduced as a completely new model by Peugeot in 1972 and thus technically did not have a direct predecessor. However, compared to the small Peugeot 204 or 304 models, the 104 is notably more compact, emphasizing urban utility and ease of parking. It represented Peugeot's entry into the supermini category, offering a smaller footprint than many earlier Peugeot cars.
When compared to contemporaries like the Fiat 127, Renault 5, or the Volkswagen Polo, the Peugeot 104 is similar in length and width, positioning it firmly as a supermini. Its small stature, efficient use of interior space, and lightweight construction were competitive features. Although dimensions varied slightly across rivals, the Peugeot 104 consistently ranked among the most compact and maneuverable cars in its class.
The Peugeot 104 was a versatile and practical small hatchback designed mainly for urban use. It featured front-wheel drive and was available with a variety of small-displacement engines, emphasizing fuel economy and ease of maintenance. The 104 was known for its simple, boxy design with functional interiors, making it popular among city dwellers. Over its long production period until 1988, it evolved with minor styling updates and mechanical improvements but remained a recognizable and affordable supermini option.
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