| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1980 |
| Production Years: | 1979 - 1984 discontinued in 1984 |
The Subaru Leone II Station Wagon, produced between 1979 and 1984, is a classic example of a versatile and practical family vehicle from the early 1980s. As the second generation of the Subaru Leone lineup, this station wagon carried forward Subaru's reputation for rugged reliability combined with everyday utility. Designed primarily as a family-oriented station wagon, the Leone II provided ample cargo space and comfortable seating, making it suitable for trips, daily commutes, and outdoor adventures.
While exact dimensions vary slightly depending on trim and market, the Leone II Station Wagon generally measures approximately 4.3 meters (14.1 feet) in length, with a width around 1.6 meters (5.25 feet), and a height close to 1.4 meters (4.6 feet). Its moderate size fits well within the compact to mid-sized station wagon segment of its era. The vehicle's weight is typically around 1,100 to 1,200 kilograms (2,425 to 2,645 pounds), which contributed to its agile handling and decent fuel economy for a wagon of this period.
Subaru equipped the Leone II Station Wagon with a range of reliable flat-four engines and offer variants with both front-wheel drive and Subaru’s signature all-wheel-drive system, enhancing traction and handling in various driving conditions. The station wagon body style emphasized practicality, with a spacious rear cargo area accessible through a wide tailgate ideal for loading bulky items or luggage.
The Leone II also featured durable construction and a simple but functional interior design, focused on comfort and usability rather than luxury. Its boxy shape was typical of the late 1970s and early 1980s design language, maximizing interior volume within a compact exterior footprint.
Overall, the Subaru Leone II Station Wagon stands out as a significant model in Subaru’s history, representing a blend of utility, economy, and the early implementation of AWD technology that helped establish Subaru’s niche within the automotive market. For enthusiasts of vintage wagons and practical classic cars, the Leone II offers an appealing option with historical value and reliable performance.
Discover the standout features that make the 1980 Subaru Leone II Station Wagon a leader in its class
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The 1980 Subaru Leone II Station Wagon measures approximately 4,265 mm (167.9 inches) in length, 1,615 mm (63.6 inches) in width, and 1,375 mm (54.1 inches) in height. These compact dimensions reflect the car's design as a practical and efficient station wagon well-suited for urban driving and light cargo duties. The relatively low height contributes to improved aerodynamics and handling, while the length provides enough interior space without making the vehicle unwieldy for everyday use. Its moderate width aids in maneuverability on narrow roads and in dense traffic.
The curb weight of the 1980 Subaru Leone II Station Wagon ranges between approximately 950 to 1,040 kg (2,094 to 2,293 lbs), depending on specific trim and equipment. This relatively light weight is typical for compact station wagons of the era, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and nimble handling. The reduced weight also helps the vehicle achieve better acceleration and braking performance, while making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces.
The interior cargo capacity of the 1980 Subaru Leone II Station Wagon is practical yet modest by modern standards, typically offering around 350 to 410 liters (12.4 to 14.5 cubic feet) of cargo volume with seats upright. Folding down the rear seats increases the available cargo space significantly, better accommodating larger items. This flexibility made the Leone II Station Wagon a versatile option for families and individuals needing extra storage for travel, groceries, or equipment.
The wheelbase of the 1980 Subaru Leone II Station Wagon is approximately 2,340 mm (92.1 inches). The wheelbase length plays a crucial role in the car's stability, ride comfort, and interior space configuration. At this length, the vehicle strikes a balance between providing sufficient cabin room for passengers and maintaining agile handling characteristics suitable for city and suburban driving.
At approximately 1,615 mm (63.6 inches) wide, the 1980 Subaru Leone II Station Wagon is narrower than most contemporary station wagons, which commonly exceed 1,800 mm (70.9 inches) in width. This narrower profile reflects design priorities of the late 1970s and early 1980s, focusing on efficient use of space and easier navigation in tighter urban environments. While modern wagons offer more interior width and shoulder room, the Leone II's compact width remains beneficial for parking and driving on narrow roads.
Yes, the 1980 Subaru Leone II Station Wagon fits comfortably inside a standard residential garage. Typical residential garages have internal dimensions of at least 5,400 mm (213 inches) in length and 2,400 mm (94.5 inches) in width. Given the Leone II's length of 4,265 mm (167.9 inches) and width of 1,615 mm (63.6 inches), there is ample space for the vehicle along with additional room to open doors and store household items. This suitability makes it convenient for car owners to keep the vehicle protected from the elements and safe when parked.
The Subaru Leone II Station Wagon introduced in 1979/1980 saw slight dimensional changes compared to the Leone I generation produced earlier in the 1970s. The Leone II typically featured a longer overall length, around 4,265 mm (167.9 inches), compared to slightly shorter lengths in the Leone I. Width and height were similar or marginally increased to improve interior space. These adjustments aimed to enhance passenger comfort and cargo capacity while retaining the compact footprint that made the original Leone practical. Mechanically and stylistically, the Leone II also featured improvements such as updated suspension and more contemporary design cues.
Compared to other station wagons produced around 1980, the Subaru Leone II Station Wagon can be classified as a compact wagon with smaller dimensions. While some contemporaries like the Toyota Corolla or Volkswagen Passat wagons offered similar or slightly larger sizes, the Leone II was generally more modest in length and width, making it lighter and easier to maneuver. Its compact size and Subaru’s reputation for durable, practical vehicles made it a competitive choice for buyers seeking efficiency and utility over large interior volume or prestige. In terms of height and cargo flexibility, it compared favorably, offering practical use without excessive bulk.
The 1980 Subaru Leone II Station Wagon was designed as a practical, affordable family vehicle with a focus on versatility and reliability. It featured a boxy yet aerodynamic shape typical of station wagons in the era, emphasizing cargo space and passenger comfort. Under the hood, the Leone II was equipped with Subaru’s signature boxer engines, available in various displacements, primarily ranging from 1.3 to 1.8 liters. These engines offered good balance, low center of gravity, and fuel efficiency. The car was available with front-wheel-drive or optional all-wheel-drive, the latter being a distinctive feature enhancing traction and driving safety.
The 1980 Subaru Leone II Station Wagon typically offered a ground clearance of approximately 170 mm (6.7 inches). This moderate clearance makes the car suitable for driving on both paved city streets and modest uneven or gravel roads without risking damage to its underbody. While not high like SUVs or crossovers, this ground clearance strikes a practical balance for those needing versatility, enhancing the wagon's capability in adverse weather or light off-road conditions, complementing Subaru’s available all-wheel-drive system.
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