1971 Peugeot 504 Break Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Peugeot 504 Break is known for its generous cargo space, especially with rear seats folded or removed. It provides a luggage capacity of approximately 552 liters (19.5 cubic feet) with seats up, expanding to over 1,500 liters (53 cubic feet) when rear seats are folded. This versatility makes it highly practical for transporting bulky items, groceries, sports gear, or luggage. The station wagon design emphasizes utility without compromising passenger comfort, making it suitable for both urban use and longer travel with significant cargo needs.

With a width of about 1,693 mm (66.6 inches) and height around 1,441 mm (56.7 inches), the Peugeot 504 Break remains practical for typical urban environments. Its moderate width allows it to slot into standard parking spaces comfortably, while the manageable height offers good visibility and ease when navigating city streets or parking structures. Despite being a station wagon, it doesn't have overly bulky dimensions, helping drivers maneuver through tight areas, heavily trafficked streets, or multi-storey parking lots without excessive difficulty.

Yes, the Peugeot 504 Break fits comfortably into a standard garage. A typical garage door opening is around 2,400 mm (94.5 inches) wide and 2,100 mm (82.7 inches) high, while the 504 Break measures 4,619 mm (181.8 inches) in length, 1,693 mm (66.6 inches) in width, and 1,441 mm (56.7 inches) in height. Its compact width relative to garage door dimensions, combined with moderate height, ensures that it can be safely parked inside most residential garages without clearance issues or the need for modifications.

Compared to its predecessor, the Peugeot 404 Break, the 504 Break saw slight increases in overall size. The 504 Break is approximately 4,619 mm (181.8 inches) long, whereas the 404 Break was about 4,455 mm (175.4 inches), making the newer generation roughly 16 cm (6.4 inches) longer. The 504 Break also features marginally increased width and height, enhancing interior space, comfort, and cargo capacity. These dimensional improvements contributed to a more modern aesthetic, better road presence, and improved practicality over the earlier 404 Break, further establishing the 504 Break as a competitive station wagon of its time.

The Peugeot 504 Break's curb weight ranges around 1,250 to 1,350 kg (2,755 to 2,976 lbs), depending on the specific trim and equipment. This moderate weight impacts the vehicle's performance by providing a solid, stable ride without overly taxing the engine. However, the relatively robust construction and size mean the engines of its era needed to work sufficiently to maintain acceptable fuel efficiency and acceleration. Typically, the station wagon's weight was balanced against the engine output to deliver reliable cruising capabilities and durability, favoring comfort and longevity rather than sporty driving or minimal fuel consumption.

When compared to similar 1970s station wagons like the Ford Cortina Estate or the Volkswagen Type 3 Variant, the Peugeot 504 Break tends to be a bit more substantial in length and width. For instance, the Ford Cortina Estate measured roughly 4,380 mm (172.4 inches) in length, making the 504 Break slightly longer. Its width of 1,693 mm (66.6 inches) was also comparable but generally wider than some smaller European wagons, aiding interior space. The 504 Break is recognized for combining solid build quality with spaciousness, outperforming certain contemporaries in cargo capacity and ride comfort, establishing it competitively within its class and era.

The Peugeot 504 Break typically features a five-seat configuration with two front seats and a rear bench seat. The interior space is roomy, comfortable, and practical for family use, thanks to its generous wheelbase and wagon body style. Passengers in the rear benefit from ample headroom and legroom, partly due to the vehicle’s height of about 1,441 mm (56.7 inches). The combination of spacious seating and practical cargo capability allows for versatile use whether carrying passengers or bulk goods, appealing to families and professionals requiring multifunctional transportation.

The Peugeot 504 Break was produced from 1971 until 1986, representing a 15-year production run. This long lifespan reflects the model's popularity and durability. Initially launched in Europe, the 504 Break was also widely assembled and sold in various international markets including Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, where its reputation for ruggedness and reliability was highly valued. The 504 Break remained competitive over time due to its solid engineering, practicality, and adaptability to different driving conditions worldwide.

The 504 Break brought station wagon versatility to the existing 504 model lineup with an extended rear for cargo, which the sedan and hatchback versions lacked. Design improvements included a reinforced rear chassis and a larger tailgate opening for easier loading and unloading. The Break retained the sedan's elegant French styling while offering more functional practicality, making it ideal for families needing extra space or businesses requiring reliable cargo transport. Interior features were upgraded in later years to enhance comfort, and the Break’s suspension was tuned to accommodate greater load capacity without sacrificing ride quality.