1997 Proton Persona I Coupe Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Proton Persona I Coupe has a curb weight of 1075 kg (2370 lbs), which is the weight of the vehicle standalone without passengers or cargo but with all necessary fluids. Its maximum weight capacity, which includes passengers and cargo, is rated at 1550 kg (3417 lbs). This balance between lightweight design and practical weight capacity helps the vehicle achieve decent performance and fuel efficiency.

The Proton Persona I Coupe features a luggage capacity of 400 liters (14.1 cubic feet). For a coupe in the compact segment, this is a relatively generous amount of boot space, suitable for everyday use, weekend trips, or moderate grocery shopping. The trunk design focuses on practicality alongside the sporty aesthetics of the coupe body style.

This generation of the Proton Persona Coupe rides on 14-inch rims paired with tires sized 185/60 R14. The 185 mm width tires have a 60% aspect ratio, contributing to good road grip and a comfortable ride while complementing the vehicle's lightweight and compact design.

Yes, the Proton Persona I Coupe fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. With a width of 1690 mm (66.5 inches), it is narrower than typical modern SUVs and full-size sedans. The height is 1360 mm (53.5 inches), making it quite low profile. Its length of 4220 mm (166.1 inches) falls well within the typical garage length of around 5.5 to 6 meters (18 to 20 feet), so parking the coupe indoors should not pose any difficulties.

The Proton Persona I Coupe was introduced as a variant based on the Proton Wira platform, which was the base for the first generation Persona sedan. Compared to the sedan predecessor, the coupe features a sportier, more compact profile. While specific predecessor coupe dimensions are not widely published, the Persona I Coupe's length of 4220 mm (166.1 inches) and width of 1690 mm (66.5 inches) suggest a slightly tighter, more streamlined design suitable for a sportier market segment relative to the sedan bodystyle.

In the late 1990s, compact coupes such as the Honda Civic Coupe, Toyota Corolla Coupe, and Mitsubishi Lancer Coupé had similar dimensions. The Proton Persona I Coupe's 4220 mm length (166.1 inches) and 1690 mm width (66.5 inches) put it squarely in the compact coupe category, comparable with contemporaries like the 1997 Honda Civic Coupe which measured around 4430 mm in length. The Persona I Coupe was slightly shorter but competitive in width and height, making it a practical yet sporty choice in its class.

The Proton Persona I Coupe is designed as a 4-seat coupe with a focus on sporty styling. Interior space is cozy but functional, fitting four passengers comfortably with moderately tight rear seats typical of compact coupes. Headroom and legroom in the front are sufficient for average-sized adults, while rear seat space is best suited for shorter trips or smaller passengers due to the coupe’s sloping roofline.

Weighing 1075 kg (2370 lbs), the Proton Persona I Coupe benefits from a lightweight structure that improves agility and handling. Its compact size and relatively low height (1360 mm or 53.5 inches) contribute to a low center of gravity, enhancing cornering stability. Coupled with its modest engine options available for that generation, the Persona I Coupe is geared toward balanced daily driving with sporty undertones, making it nimble in city conditions and responsive on winding roads.

The Persona I Coupe, due its lighter weight and coupe profile, often exhibits slightly better fuel efficiency compared to the sedan variants from the same era, thanks to reduced drag and mass. Design-wise, the coupe features a two-door body style with a more youthful, sport-oriented aesthetic, including smaller rim sizes (14 inches) and lower overall height, setting it apart from the more practical and family-oriented sedan versions of the Proton Persona. These differences made the coupe appealing to drivers seeking style without sacrificing everyday usability.