1990 Skoda Favorit (781) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Škoda Favorit (781) is approximately 875 kg (1929 lbs). This weight refers to the car when empty but ready to drive, including fuel and necessary fluids. The maximum permissible weight, including passengers and cargo, is 1325 kg (2,920 lbs). This indicates it can safely carry an additional 450 kg (992 lbs) over its curb weight, balancing efficiency with functional passenger and cargo capacity.

The luggage volume of the Škoda Favorit (781) with rear seats in the upright position is 251 liters (about 8.9 cubic feet), which provides a modest amount of space suitable for everyday errands and small luggage. When the rear seats are folded, the capacity greatly increases to 1038 liters (approximately 36.6 cubic feet). This makes the car quite practical for carrying larger or bulkier items, a useful feature for a hatchback from the early 1990s.

The Škoda Favorit (781) has a ground clearance of 120 mm (4.7 inches). This relatively low ride height helps with stability and handling on smooth and paved roads, but it means the car is less suited to rough terrain or deeply rutted surfaces. Drivers should therefore exercise caution on uneven or off-road conditions to avoid scraping the undercarriage.

The Škoda Favorit (781) rides on rims sized 4.5J x 13 inches, accompanied by tires of dimensions 165/70 R13 S. This tire size reflects a profile and width typical for compact cars of its era, offering a balance between ride comfort, grip, and fuel efficiency. The 13-inch rims also contribute to a compliant ride on urban roads and light highways.

Yes, the Škoda Favorit (781) fits comfortably into a standard garage. With a length of 3815 mm (150.2 inches) and width of 1620 mm (63.8 inches), it is smaller than many modern vehicles. Typical European or North American single-car garages are designed to accommodate cars well over 4.5 meters (177 inches) in length and 2.5 meters (98 inches) in width, giving ample space for opening doors and movement around the car inside the garage.

The Škoda Favorit (781) represented a significant design shift from its predecessors, primarily older rear-engine Škoda models such as the Škoda 120 series. Dimensionally, it is more compact and modern with a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout, enhancing interior space utilization despite the modest 3815 mm (150.2 inches) length. The Favorit was also wider (1620 mm or 63.8 inches) than many predecessors, contributing to better stability and comfort, while overall being notably lighter at 875 kg (1929 lbs), helping efficiency and agility.

The Škoda Favorit (781) is competitive dimensionally with other compact hatchbacks from the early 1990s such as the Volkswagen Polo, Ford Fiesta, and Opel Corsa. Its length of 3815 mm (150.2 inches) and width of 1620 mm (63.8 inches) put it on the smaller end compared to some contemporaries like the VW Polo, which were typically slightly longer or wider, but still within the typical compact class range. The Favorit's relatively light curb weight of 875 kg (1929 lbs) also puts it in an efficient category relative to many rivals. Its practical luggage volume of 251 liters (8.9 cubic feet) expandable to over 1000 liters (36.6 cubic feet) with seats folded makes it functional despite its compact size.

Despite its compact external dimensions, the Škoda Favorit (781) was designed to maximize interior space for passengers and cargo. The hatchback layout and efficient packaging allowed for comfortable seating for four to five occupants. The relatively wide width of 1620 mm (63.8 inches) contributes to shoulder room inside. Additionally, the ability to fold down rear seats greatly enhances cargo capacity, making it versatile for carrying larger items while maintaining a small footprint ideal for city driving.

The Škoda Favorit (781) marked a major turning point for Škoda during its production from 1989 to 1994. It was Škoda's first front-engine, front-wheel-drive hatchback that modernized the brand's image and technology. This model helped Škoda gain greater acceptance and competitiveness in Western Europe after decades of producing older rear-engine models. Its modern design, more efficient layout, and improved driving dynamics laid the groundwork for Škoda's eventual integration into the Volkswagen Group and its transformation into a global brand in the following decades.