| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1977 |
| Production Years: | 1977 - 1982 discontinued in 1982 |
The Peugeot 305 I (581A), produced between 1977 and 1982, is a classic compact sedan that represented a significant step for the French manufacturer during this period. Designed as a practical and efficient family car, the 305 I combined a balanced size with intelligent design. While specific dimensional data for this generation models can vary slightly, the Peugeot 305 I typically featured a length of approximately 4,240 millimeters (166.9 inches), a width close to 1,600 millimeters (63.0 inches), and a height around 1,370 millimeters (53.9 inches). This compact size allowed it to navigate urban environments comfortably while offering adequate interior space for passengers and cargo. The vehicle's weight ranged roughly between 900 to 1,030 kilograms (1,984 to 2,271 pounds), supporting a nimble driving experience with relatively good fuel efficiency for its time. The Peugeot 305 I sedan was appreciated for its simple yet effective aerodynamic shape, contributing to reduced drag and enhanced driving stability. Its size positioned it competitively among European compact sedans of the late 1970s and early 1980s, balancing functionality with affordability. Enthusiasts and collectors value the 305 I generation for its durable engineering, classic French automotive styling, and its role in Peugeot’s expansion in the compact car segment.
Discover the standout features that make the 1977 Peugeot 305 I a leader in its class
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The Peugeot 305 I (581A), produced between 1977 and 1982, has an overall length of approximately 4,230 mm (166.5 inches), a width of about 1,606 mm (63.2 inches), and a height around 1,400 mm (55.1 inches). These dimensions place it firmly within the compact sedan category of its time, offering a balanced footprint suitable for urban driving and moderate cargo and passenger space. The modest height contributes to a lower center of gravity, enhancing stability, while its length and width provide adequate room for passengers inside without making parking or maneuvering difficult in city environments.
The wheelbase of the Peugeot 305 I (581A) measures approximately 2,535 mm (99.8 inches). This relatively long wheelbase for a compact sedan of its era benefits the car by providing more legroom for rear passengers contributing to amplified interior comfort. Additionally, a longer wheelbase typically leads to improved ride quality because it helps the vehicle to better absorb road irregularities, offering a smoother driving experience. It also positively affects stability at higher speeds, making the car more steady on highways.
The Peugeot 305 I (581A) has a curb weight around 990 kg to 1,090 kg (2,182 to 2,403 lbs), depending on the specific model and trim level. This relatively light weight for a sedan improves overall fuel efficiency, as less energy is required to propel the car forward. It also enhances handling and acceleration responsiveness, although the car was designed more for economical and comfortable transportation rather than sporty performance. The light weight combined with moderate-sized engines allowed the 305 to achieve practical fuel consumption figures for its time, making it an appealing choice for daily commuting and longer trips.
The Peugeot 305 I (581A) sedan offers a trunk capacity of about 370 liters (approximately 13 cubic feet). This luggage space is reasonably practical for a compact sedan, easily accommodating several suitcases or grocery bags, making it well-suited for daily use, weekend trips, or small family outings. While not exceptionally large compared to modern sedans, the trunk's shape and accessibility provide useful cargo volume. The rear seats do not fold down in most versions, so the trunk capacity remains fixed, but the overall practicality aligns well with family and commuter needs of its era.
The Peugeot 305 I (581A) fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Typical single-car garage dimensions are approximately 2.4 to 3 meters (8 to 10 feet) wide and 4.8 to 6 meters (16 to 20 feet) deep. Given the Peugeot 305’s length of around 4.23 meters (166.5 inches) and width of 1.61 meters (63.2 inches), it leaves sufficient clearance for easy maneuvering inside a standard garage. The car’s height of 1.4 meters (55.1 inches) also ensures adequate overhead space is available in typical garages without problems.
Inside the Peugeot 305 I (581A), the cabin width roughly corresponds to its vehicle width of 1,606 mm (63.2 inches), which results in a comfortable seating arrangement for up to five passengers—two in front and three in the rear. Compared to other compact sedans from the late 1970s and early 1980s, the 305 provides a competitive amount of shoulder room and legroom, offering a comfortable ride for small families. The rear bench seat is designed to accommodate three passengers, though the center position is typically more suitable for short trips due to limited middle-seat width and comfort.
The Peugeot 305 I (581A) was introduced as a more modern and practical successor to the Peugeot 304. Compared to the 304, the 305 featured a slightly longer and wider body, improving interior space and luggage capacity. While the Peugeot 304 had a length of about 4,000 mm (157.5 inches), the 305 extended this to approximately 4,230 mm (166.5 inches), enhancing comfort and usability. Additionally, the 305 retained a similar height, focusing more on improving passenger and cargo volume rather than changing the overall profile drastically. This made the 305 a more spacious and versatile family car while maintaining compact maneuverability.
Dimensionally, the Peugeot 305 I (581A) aligns closely with other compact sedans of the late 1970s such as the Ford Escort Mark II and the Volkswagen Passat B1. For example, the Ford Escort of that era was roughly 4,200 mm (165.4 inches) in length and about 1,630 mm (64.2 inches) wide—very similar to the 305. The Volkswagen Passat B1, being a bit larger, extended closer to 4,350 mm (171.3 inches) in length. While the 305 was slightly narrower, it offered competitive interior space given its efficient packaging. Overall, the 305 struck a good balance of size, comfort, and maneuverability relative to its peers.
The Peugeot 305 I (581A) was designed as a practical and economical compact family sedan for the late 1970s. Its styling was conservative yet modern for its time, featuring clean lines and a slightly aerodynamic profile. It was engineered primarily for efficiency, comfort, and reliability rather than outright performance. The 305 emphasized practicality with decent interior packaging, a spacious boot, and solid build quality. It came equipped with front-wheel drive—still a relatively modern layout then—and a range of modestly powered four-cylinder engines. This generation helped Peugeot strengthen its foothold in the competitive compact car segment in Europe.
The Peugeot 305 I offers a passenger volume typical for compact sedans with space for five occupants, balancing adequate shoulder, head, and legroom across the cabin. The fixed trunk capacity of approximately 370 liters (13 cubic feet) provides sufficient cargo space for everyday needs such as shopping, luggage, or sports equipment. This combination of moderate passenger and cargo volume supports the vehicle’s role as an all-around family and commuter car. It allows it to comfortably serve users requiring enough room for daily urban driving and occasional longer trips without the bulk of a mid-size sedan.
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