| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1980 |
| Production Years: | 1979 - 1984 discontinued in 1984 |
The Subaru Leone II (AB) is the second generation of the Leone model line, produced from 1979 to 1984, with the 1980 model year being one of its core offerings. This generation continued Subaru’s approach of producing compact, practical sedans aimed at drivers seeking reliable transportation with efficient use of space. The Leone II (AB) sedan stands out as a classic Japanese compact car of the early 1980s, combining modest dimensions suitable for urban and suburban use with the robustness Subaru is known for.
The Leone II was designed with dimensions that emphasize functionality while maintaining a compact footprint. Typically, the sedan’s overall length is around 4,230 mm (approximately 166.5 inches or 13.9 feet) making it easy to maneuver and park in tight city spaces. Its width generally measures close to 1,625 mm (about 64 inches or 5.3 feet), providing a comfortable cabin width without sacrificing compactness. The height is about 1,370 mm (around 53.9 inches or 4.5 feet), giving the sedan a low and balanced profile that improves handling and aerodynamic efficiency.
Weighing in at an estimated 900 to 1,000 kg (approximately 1,984 to 2,205 lbs), the Subaru Leone II sedan offers a lightweight build that contributes to its fuel efficiency and overall driving agility. This generation featured a range of powertrain options, typically small displacement engines that suited the era's emphasis on economy, complemented by Subaru’s signature front-engine, front-wheel-drive or optional four-wheel-drive layouts.
The interior of the Leone II sedan was designed to maximize space within a compact exterior shell, allowing seating for four to five passengers comfortably. The trunk capacity provided ample cargo space for everyday use and light travel needs, making it a versatile choice for small families or individual drivers in need of a practical and manageable vehicle.
Overall, the Subaru Leone II (AB) 1980 model is a representative example of efficient Japanese sedan design from the late 1970s and early 1980s, balancing compact size, practicality, and Subaru’s hallmark reliability. Its dimensions and size make it an excellent model for comparison against other compact sedans from the same period, highlighting Subaru’s approach to creating vehicles that cater to drivers looking for an easy-to-drive, economical, and functional car.
Discover the standout features that make the 1980 Subaru Leone II a leader in its class
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The 1980 Subaru Leone II (AB) sedan has a length of approximately 4,205 mm (165.5 inches), a width of roughly 1,625 mm (64 inches), and a height close to 1,350 mm (53.1 inches). These dimensions reflect the compact sedan size typical of the early 1980s, providing a balanced footprint that is manageable in urban environments yet spacious enough for passengers. The design focused on optimizing interior space relative to the car's external measurements, which made it practical for daily commuting.
The Subaru Leone II (AB) featured a wheelbase measuring about 2,355 mm (92.7 inches). This wheelbase length was competitive among compact sedans of the early 1980s, offering a stable and comfortable ride without making the vehicle overly large or difficult to maneuver. This dimension contributed to a good balance of interior roominess and exterior compactness, essential for both city driving and longer trips.
The curb weight of the 1980 Subaru Leone II (AB) sedan is approximately 980 kg (2,160 lbs). This relatively light weight for a sedan helped with fuel efficiency and agility. A lighter vehicle tends to accelerate quicker and handles better, making the Leone II responsive and more economical, which was important for consumers during the era's fluctuating fuel costs.
Yes, the 1980 Subaru Leone II (AB) sedan fits well into a standard garage. Standard garage door widths typically range from 2,400 mm to 3,000 mm (about 7.9 to 9.8 feet), and with the Leone II sedan's width of approximately 1,625 mm (64 inches), it comfortably fits with ample room for opening doors and maneuvering inside the garage. Its length also is well within standard single-car garage dimensions, making it convenient for residential parking.
While specific interior dimensions for the 1980 Subaru Leone II (AB) are less commonly documented, the car was designed with a focus on maximizing passenger comfort within a compact exterior. The cabin typically accommodated four to five passengers comfortably, with adequate headroom and legroom for a compact sedan of that era. The relatively tall roofline of about 1,350 mm (53.1 inches) also contributed to generous headspace, and the layout aimed to balance passenger comfort with cargo practicality.
The fuel tank capacity of the Subaru Leone II (AB) was approximately 45 liters (about 11.9 US gallons). This size aligned well with similar compact sedans from the early 1980s and provided a decent driving range considering the vehicle's fuel-efficient powertrains. A tank of this size allowed drivers to cover long distances between fill-ups, supporting its role as an economical daily driver.
Compared to the first-generation Subaru Leone, the Leone II (AB) introduced in 1979 featured slightly refined dimensions with a modest increase in length and width. The predecessor had a length close to 4,160 mm (163.8 inches), while the Leone II grew to about 4,205 mm (165.5 inches). Width also saw a minor increase, enhancing interior room. These changes improved stability and passenger space without significantly impacting the compact segment appeal.
In 1980, the Subaru Leone II (AB) held its own size-wise against competitors like the Toyota Corolla (E70), Honda Civic (second generation), and Datsun 210. Its length of around 4.2 meters (165.5 inches) and width of 1.625 meters (64 inches) placed it within the typical compact segment dimensions of the time. The Leone's slightly lower height and lightweight design distinguished it, emphasizing a more streamlined, aerodynamic profile compared to some boxier rivals.
The Subaru Leone II (AB) was primarily offered as a four-door sedan in the 1980 model range, and it typically accommodated five passengers – two in the front and three in the rear. The sedan body style provided practical access and utility for families or commuters while maintaining a compact footprint ideal for urban and suburban driving environments.
The 1980 Subaru Leone II (AB) brought several improvements over its predecessor, including slightly increased dimensions for better passenger comfort and stability, updated styling with a more aerodynamic shape, and advancements in mechanical components such as improved suspension for enhanced ride quality. These changes were aimed at keeping the model competitive in the compact car market by addressing consumer demands for more comfortable interiors and refined driving dynamics without compromising its reputation for reliability and economy.
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