1965 Peugeot 204 Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Peugeot 204 is approximately 850 kilograms (1874 pounds), which refers to the weight of the vehicle without passengers or cargo, but with all standard equipment and necessary operating consumables like fuel and oil. Its maximum allowable weight, including passengers and cargo, is 1275 kilograms (2810 pounds). This relatively light weight contributes to its fuel efficiency and agile handling.

The Peugeot 204 offers a luggage capacity of 370 liters (approximately 13 cubic feet). This is quite spacious for a compact sedan from the 1960s and 1970s, allowing owners to comfortably carry groceries, suitcases, or other cargo. The thoughtful trunk size makes it practical for daily tasks and small family trips, enhancing overall usability.

The Peugeot 204 features a ride height or ground clearance of 140 mm (5.5 inches). This moderate ground clearance helps the vehicle handle paved roads and moderate rough terrain with ease, offering a comfortable and stable ride without compromising too much on aerodynamics or center of gravity. It's balanced for urban and suburban driving conditions.

Yes, the Peugeot 204 fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. With a length of 3970 mm (156.3 inches) and a width of 1560 mm (61.4 inches), it is smaller than many modern cars and even compact by contemporary standards. Most standard garages, which commonly measure around 6 meters (20 feet) in depth and 3 meters (10 feet) in width, can easily accommodate the Peugeot 204, providing convenience for home parking and protection from weather.

The Peugeot 204 was actually Peugeot's first front-wheel-drive car and did not directly replace any preceding model with similar specifications since Peugeot's previous small car was the 203 which was larger overall. Compared to the Peugeot 203, the 204 is slightly more compact, with a length of 3970 mm versus the 203’s longer body. The 204 brought a more modern, efficiently sized sedan option to Peugeot's lineup that emphasized lighter weight, front-wheel drive, and improved fuel economy.

Compared to other compact sedans of its era such as the Ford Cortina Mk1 or Volkswagen Type 3, the Peugeot 204 was relatively light at 850 kg (1874 lbs) and offered a competitive luggage capacity of 370 liters (13 cubic feet). While slightly narrower at 1560 mm (61.4 inches), its length of 3970 mm (156.3 inches) fell into the typical compact segment dimensions. The front-wheel-drive layout was a modern feature uncommon among contemporaries, affording better space efficiency inside the cabin and improved driving dynamics, setting it apart from some rear-wheel-drive rivals.

Yes, the Peugeot 204 is well-suited to city driving and parking. Its moderate length of just under 4 meters and narrow width of 1560 mm make maneuvering through tight urban streets and parking in small spaces easier than with larger sedans. The relatively light curb weight of 850 kg also contributes to nimble handling and fuel efficiency, making it an excellent choice for urban commuters and small families in metropolitan settings during its production years.

The Peugeot 204, produced between 1965 and 1977, was notable for being Peugeot's first front-wheel-drive vehicle, which improved interior space and handling dynamics. It featured a range of four-door sedans primarily, with some variants in coupe and convertible styles. Powered initially by a modest four-cylinder engine, it was designed to be economical, practical, and reliable during a time when smaller family cars gained popularity in Europe. The 204’s combination of compact size, decent luggage space, and relatively light weight contributed to its commercial success and established Peugeot's foothold in the small family car market.

The Peugeot 204’s curb weight of 850 kg (1874 lbs) and compact dimensions contributed significantly to its reputation for fuel efficiency and nimble handling. Compared to many larger cars in the 1960s and 1970s, its lighter weight meant reduced fuel consumption, which was an important factor during periods of rising fuel prices. Its front-wheel-drive layout also enhanced traction and stability, especially in urban and suburban settings. Consequently, the 204 offered a balanced mix of economical running costs and practical usability, attributes that helped it stand out among peers that were often heavier and rear-wheel-drive.