1978 Saab 99 Combi Coupe Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Saab 99 Combi Coupe ranges from approximately 1130 kg to 1202 kg (roughly 2491 to 2650 lbs). This relatively light weight for a hatchback of its era contributes positively to its agility, handling, and fuel efficiency. Lighter curb weight generally means enhanced acceleration and better fuel economy, which was beneficial for the Saab 99's turbocharged and naturally aspirated engine variants. The moderate weight also aids in maintaining stable driving dynamics and robustness, characteristic of Saabs known for their safety and engineering quality.

Yes, the Saab 99 Combi Coupe comfortably fits into a standard residential garage. With a maximum length of 4534 mm (about 178.5 inches or 14.9 feet), width around 1690 mm (66.5 inches or 5.5 feet), and height of 1435 mm (56.5 inches or 4.7 feet), it is smaller than the dimensions of most standard garages designed to accommodate typical family cars. This makes parking and storage practical for owners, especially in urban or suburban settings where garage space might be limited.

Compared to its predecessor, the earlier Saab 99 models before the Combi Coupe variant generally had similar footprint dimensions but with some incremental differences. The Combi Coupe introduced from 1976 to 1980 saw refinements in styling and possibly a slightly longer length range (up to 4534 mm) to enhance cargo space and versatility due to its hatchback design. Width and height remained closely aligned with previous versions, maintaining the compact profile. The Combi Coupe variant was aimed at combining sporty aesthetics with practical utility, setting it apart with a distinct hatchback body style.

The Saab 99 Combi Coupe sports a width of approximately 1689-1690 mm (66.5 inches). This moderate width offers a stable stance without compromising nimble handling, typical of sport-oriented hatchbacks. The relatively narrow width compared to larger sedans contributes to ease of maneuvering through tight city streets and parking spaces while still providing enough track width for good road grip and stability during fast cornering. The design emphasis on balanced width and weight distribution makes it agile on the road, which is a hallmark quality of Saab's engineering.

With a height of about 1435 mm (56.5 inches), the Saab 99 Combi Coupe offers a hatchback profile that strikes a balance between interior comfort and aerodynamic efficiency. This relatively low height contributes to a sleek roofline, reducing wind resistance and improving fuel efficiency and performance. Inside, the height is sufficient to offer comfortable headroom for average-sized occupants despite the car’s compact footprint. The hatchback form factor also enhances cargo practicality without significantly raising the center of gravity, preserving sporty handling dynamics.

The Saab 99 Combi Coupe's length varies between about 4394 mm (173 inches) and 4534 mm (178.5 inches), a dimension that plays a crucial role in balancing passenger comfort with cargo capacity. The extended length at the upper range allows for greater interior legroom, particularly benefiting rear passengers, and enhances cargo volume under the hatchback tailgate. This flexibility made the Combi Coupe versatile for its time, catering to customers seeking a sporty yet practical vehicle. The hatchback layout maximizes usable interior space better than a traditional sedan of similar length would.

In comparison to other late 1970s compact and mid-size hatchbacks such as the Volkswagen Golf Mk1, Ford Escort, or BMW 3 Series E21, the Saab 99 Combi Coupe was slightly larger in length (up to 4534 mm) and somewhat heavier (up to 1202 kg). The width was within a comparable range. Its unique combination of turbocharging options and aerodynamic design set it apart. While competitors often emphasized economy or sportiness, Saab balanced safety, comfort, and performance with a distinctive Scandinavian engineering approach. The vehicle’s size made it spacious inside relative to most hatchbacks, yet still manageable in urban environments.

Thanks to its hatchback design, the Saab 99 Combi Coupe features a flexible cargo area that outperforms traditional sedans of its era. The folding rear seats expand cargo capacity significantly, accommodating bulky items with ease. While specific volume figures vary by configuration, the extended length range supports a comfortable passenger cabin for four to five occupants, with ample headroom and legroom for a compact car. This versatility made the Combi Coupe popular with drivers seeking a sportier look without sacrificing daily usability or storage space during errands and travel.

The Saab 99 Combi Coupe, produced from 1976 to 1980, incorporated engineering refinements over earlier models emphasizing both safety and performance. Saab was known for pioneering safety features like strong passenger cell construction and advanced crumple zones for its time. The Combi Coupe also benefited from improved suspension tuning, enhanced aerodynamic design, and availability of turbocharged engine variants, which not only boosted power but maintained reliability and efficiency. Collectively, these traits helped solidify Saab's reputation as a brand focused on innovative engineering and driver protection.