| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1970 |
| Production Years: | 1970 - 1975 discontinued in 1975 |
The Peugeot 304 Coupe is a classic French vehicle produced between 1970 and 1975. This car generation was a striking variant of the 304 model line, designed to offer a sporty and elegant coupe body style. The Peugeot 304 Coupe was well-known during its production period for combining stylish design and practical dimensions suitable for urban driving and comfortable cruising. Although precise dimensions varied subtly across production years, the 304 Coupe typically featured a compact yet balanced length, width, and height that positioned it well within the mid-sized coupe category of the early 1970s. Its size facilitated nimble handling while retaining enough room for passengers to enjoy the ride without feeling cramped. The generation's weight and size contributed to decent performance and road manners typical of Peugeot's engineering standards at the time. This model remains a significant part of Peugeot's automotive heritage, appreciated by vintage car enthusiasts and those interested in classic European coupes. The Peugeot 304 Coupe encapsulates the charm of 1970s French automotive design, with dimensions that make it a practical yet stylish choice for collectors and fans of classic coupe cars.
Discover the standout features that make the 1970 Peugeot 304 Coupe a leader in its class
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The Peugeot 304 Coupe, produced from 1970 to 1975, features compact dimensions typical of European coupes from that era. It measures approximately 4,010 mm (157.9 inches) in length, 1,515 mm (59.6 inches) in width, and around 1,350 mm (53.1 inches) in height. These dimensions give the car a sleek, sporty profile while maintaining a relatively small footprint, which was ideal for urban and suburban driving in the 1970s.
The Peugeot 304 Coupe's wheelbase measures about 2,480 mm (97.6 inches). This moderate wheelbase provides a good balance between agility and ride comfort. A shorter wheelbase like this generally enhances maneuverability and responsiveness, making the 304 Coupe nimble on twisty roads, yet it still offers adequate stability at moderate speeds typical for a coupe of its time.
The curb weight of the Peugeot 304 Coupe is approximately 960 kg (2,116 lbs). This relatively light weight contributes positively to the car's performance and fuel efficiency. The lighter body allows for better acceleration and handling dynamics, particularly with its modest engine outputs in the range of 65 to 75 horsepower, ensuring the car feels lively and responsive despite its moderate power.
The Peugeot 304 Coupe is designed as a two-door coupe, typically seating four passengers, though the rear seats can be somewhat tight by modern standards. Interior space is cozy, with enough room for front passengers to be comfortable for city and short-distance drives. However, the rear legroom and headroom are limited due to the coupe's sloping roofline and compact design, making it better suited for occasional rear passengers or small trips.
Yes, the Peugeot 304 Coupe's compact size ensures it fits comfortably in a standard garage from the 1970s and is generally compatible with modern standard garage dimensions too. Given its overall length of around 4.01 meters (157.9 inches) and width of about 1.52 meters (59.6 inches), parking and storage are convenient. Most modern garages, which often accommodate larger vehicles, will easily house the 304 Coupe with room to spare.
With an overall height around 1,350 mm (53.1 inches) and a gently sloping fastback roofline typical of coupes, the Peugeot 304 Coupe presents a sleek, sporty silhouette. This lower height compared to sedans enhances aerodynamic efficiency and visual appeal, emphasizing the car's dynamic intent. The coupe's design balances aesthetics with practicality, providing a distinct profile while maintaining reasonable headroom for passengers.
Compared to the Peugeot 204 Coupe, the 304 Coupe is slightly larger and heavier. The 304 increased the length to around 4,010 mm (157.9 inches) versus about 3,950 mm (155.5 inches) on the 204, and the width and height were also marginally increased. This growth allowed for improved interior space and comfort. The 304 maintained the lightweight coupe design philosophy but offered more refined styling and increased engine options, representing an evolutionary step up from the 204.
When compared to contemporaries like the BMW 2002 Coupe or Ford Capri, the Peugeot 304 Coupe sits on the smaller side in terms of dimensions. Its length of 4,010 mm (157.9 inches) and modest width prioritize compactness and urban usability. The 304's compact size made it popular in Europe where narrow streets and tight parking demanded smaller vehicles, while its coupe styling offered a sporty alternative without the bulk typical of some other sports coupes of that era.
The Peugeot 304 Coupe is equipped with a fuel tank capacity of approximately 45 liters (11.9 US gallons). Given the modest engine size and relatively low weight, this capacity yields a decent driving range for typical urban and suburban driving conditions of the 1970s. Efficient fuel consumption paired with this tank size meant that drivers could expect fewer fuel stops compared to larger performance vehicles, making it practical for daily use and weekend drives.
The Peugeot 304 Coupe sports a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout with a suspension setup featuring independent front suspension with coil springs and a live rear axle with leaf springs. This configuration offers a compromise between comfort and sportiness. The front independent suspension enhances steering precision and ride smoothness, while the rear solid axle provides robustness. The overall chassis tuning aimed to deliver predictable handling and stability suitable for sporty yet comfortable driving in its era.
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