| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1970 |
| Production Years: | 1970 - 1980 discontinued in 1980 |
The Peugeot 304 Break is a notable station wagon variant of the Peugeot 304 model, produced between 1970 and 1980. This classic French vehicle was designed to offer practical functionality combined with the typical styling cues of the era. As a station wagon, the 304 Break was tailored for families and users requiring extra cargo space without sacrificing maneuverability or driving comfort. The overall length of the Peugeot 304 Break typically measured around 4,130 mm (162.6 inches), showcasing its compact yet spacious approach within its vehicle class. Its width was approximately 1,530 mm (60.2 inches), which allowed for comfortable passenger seating while maintaining relatively narrow proportions suited for urban environments. The height stood near 1,410 mm (55.5 inches), a dimension helping to achieve ample headroom and a practical roofline to support increased luggage capacity. Known for its lightweight construction and efficient layout, the 304 Break made for an agile station wagon option during the 1970s. Thanks to its production decade spanning 1970 through 1980, the Peugeot 304 Break represents an important part of Peugeot's mid-size family car heritage, maintaining a balance between everyday usability and classic automotive design. This model remains a favorite for enthusiasts who value vintage European wagons with an emphasis on versatility and modest dimensions. Whether used for daily driving or as a collector’s car, the Peugeot 304 Break stands out as a compelling option combining classic charm and practical station wagon benefits.
Discover the standout features that make the 1970 Peugeot 304 Break a leader in its class
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The Peugeot 304 Break, produced between 1970 and 1980, featured a compact and practical design typical of station wagons of its era. The car measures approximately 4,165 mm (164 inches) in length, 1,575 mm (62 inches) in width, and about 1,360 mm (54 inches) in height. These dimensions gave it a balanced profile that was well-suited for urban and suburban use, offering enough space to accommodate passengers and cargo comfortably without being overly large. Its width and height made it maneuverable on narrow streets, while its length provided extended cargo capacity compared to the sedan version.
The Peugeot 304 Break was designed as a practical family station wagon with a focus on maximizing interior space and cargo capacity. The rear cargo area benefited from the extended body of the Break variant, allowing for a roomy and flexible loading space. This made it more versatile compared to smaller hatchbacks and sedans of the early 1970s. The rear seats could be folded down to significantly increase cargo volume, catering to users needing to transport larger items. Overall, the 304 Break offered one of the more spacious interiors in the compact station wagon category of its time, making it a favorite for small families and business use.
Yes, the Peugeot 304 Break's width of approximately 1,575 mm (62 inches) ensures that it fits comfortably into a standard garage. Typical garage widths usually range between 2,400 mm (94 inches) to 3,000 mm (118 inches) or more, so the vehicle leaves adequate clearance on both sides. Furthermore, the height of around 1,360 mm (54 inches) is well below the average garage door height, which generally ranges from 2,100 mm (83 inches) to 2,400 mm (94 inches), meaning vertical clearance will not be an issue. Its length of 4,165 mm (164 inches) is also suitable for typical garage depths, usually between 5,000 mm (197 inches) and 6,000 mm (236 inches), allowing enough space to park without difficulty.
The Peugeot 304 Break typically weighs around 940 to 1,000 kilograms (approximately 2,073 to 2,205 pounds), depending on equipment and model year specifics. This relatively modest weight for a station wagon helped in keeping fuel consumption economical and contributed to nimble handling characteristics. The lightweight nature, combined with its smaller displacement engines, made it well suited for city driving and moderate highway use. However, the lighter weight also meant the car might feel less planted at very high speeds compared to heavier contemporaries, but given its intended role as a practical family and utility vehicle, its performance was aligned with user expectations in the 1970s.
The Peugeot 304 Break was introduced as part of the 304 line, and it essentially succeeded the Peugeot 204, which was a smaller, less spacious model. The 304 Break's length of approximately 4,165 mm (164 inches) is noticeably longer than the Peugeot 204 sedan and wagon models, whose length was roughly around 3,900 mm (153 inches). This increase in length provided enhanced rear passenger comfort and more substantial cargo space, making the 304 Break more competitive in the growing station wagon segment of the 1970s. Compared to its predecessors, the 304 Break offered an excellent balance between compactness and utility.
The Peugeot 304 Break improved upon the earlier Peugeot 204 Break in several key areas. Firstly, the 304 featured larger exterior dimensions, especially in length and width, affording more interior space and cargo capacity. Additionally, the 304 was equipped with more powerful and refined engine options, typically featuring larger displacement engines ranging from 1.3 to 1.5 liters, improving performance without compromising fuel efficiency. The 304 Break also presented subtle styling updates including a more modern and boxy station wagon profile that improved usability and aesthetics. Overall, it provided increased comfort, capacity, and performance, making it a well-rounded upgrade over the 204 Break.
When compared to similar 1970s station wagons like the Renault 16 Break or Opel Kadett Caravan, the Peugeot 304 Break stands out for its compact yet practical dimensions and efficient use of interior space. Measuring around 4,165 mm (164 inches) in length, it was slightly shorter than some competitors but offered competitive cargo capacity thanks to its clever station wagon layout. Its lightweight design contributed to fuel economy advantages over some bulkier rivals. Additionally, Peugeot's emphasis on ride comfort and driving dynamics meant the 304 Break balanced utility with enjoyable driving, making it a favorable choice for urban families and practical users amid European rivals.
The Peugeot 304 Break has an overall height of about 1,360 mm (54 inches), which is fairly low for a station wagon, helping it maintain a car-like driving profile and easier garage clearance. The ground clearance is typical for compact European wagons of the time, estimated around 140 mm (5.5 inches), providing enough space for common urban road conditions without sacrificing stability. This moderate ground clearance allowed the 304 Break to navigate uneven city streets and rural roads comfortably, though it is not suitable for off-road conditions. The height and ground clearance thus contribute to practicality by blending ease of entry, visibility, and ride comfort.
With a width of approximately 1,575 mm (62 inches), the Peugeot 304 Break offered a compact yet roomy interior for passengers of its time. This width allowed for a comfortable seating arrangement for up to five occupants, though rear-seat width was naturally more snug compared to modern cars. The 304 Break maximized interior space by efficient packaging, allowing passengers adequate shoulder and elbow room during everyday drives. Its size ensured it was agile in traffic and parking, while still offering sufficient room inside for family needs. In summary, the width balanced external compactness with interior comfort appropriately for a 1970s station wagon.
Parking the Peugeot 304 Break in today's typical residential garages is generally not an issue due to its moderate dimensions. Most residential garages in many countries accommodate vehicles that are roughly 2,400 to 3,000 mm (94 to 118 inches) wide and around 5,000 mm (197 inches) deep. The 304 Break's width of approximately 1,575 mm (62 inches) and length of 4,165 mm (164 inches) fit well within these parameters, leaving clearance on all sides for safe entry and exit. Additionally, its height of around 1,360 mm (54 inches) is well below common garage door heights, ensuring no vertical clearance problems. Thus, owners can expect to park this classic station wagon comfortably in modern garages.
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