1987 Toyota Celica Cabrio (T16) Dimensions, Size & Specs

A standard garage usually measures about 2,400 mm to 2,700 mm in width (94.5 to 106.3 inches) and around 5,000 mm to 6,000 mm in length (196.9 to 236.2 inches). The Toyota Celica Cabrio (T16) fits comfortably inside these dimensions, with a length of around 4,345 mm (171.1 inches) and a width of approximately 1,690 mm (66.5 inches). Its height of 1,280 mm (50.4 inches) is well below standard garage door heights, making it easy to park without clearance issues. In summary, the Celica Cabrio fits easily into a standard garage, allowing for convenient storage and protection from the elements.

The Toyota Celica Cabrio (T16) has a curb weight typically around 1,100 kg to 1,150 kg (2,425 lbs to 2,535 lbs), though exact figures may vary slightly depending on the market and optional equipment. This relatively light weight for a cabriolet sports car aids in agile handling and quick acceleration. The modest curb weight helps the small inline engines deliver nimble performance and better fuel efficiency compared to heavier competitors. Overall, the weight balance also contributes to a more enjoyable, responsive driving experience, characteristic of the Celica Cabrio’s sporty intent.

The Toyota Celica Cabrio (T16) is designed as a 2+2 cabriolet, meaning it primarily seats two adults comfortably in the front with additional smaller rear seats suitable mostly for children or small passengers. The interior space, while more limited than the coupe variants, is designed to maximize comfort within the cabriolet layout. Passenger headroom benefits from the open-top design, though rear legroom and shoulder space are modest due to the compact dimensions. Overall, it comfortably accommodates four passengers for short trips, but the rear seats are best suited for occasional use.

With a width of approximately 1,690 mm (66.5 inches), the Toyota Celica Cabrio (T16) is moderately narrow by modern standards, making it easier to navigate through tight urban roads and park in compact spaces. This relatively slim width contributes to a lower frontal area, which can have positive effects on aerodynamic performance and stability at higher speeds. When parking, the Celica’s narrow stance allows it to fit into standard parking spaces without difficulty, making it a practical choice for city environments despite its sporty design.

The Toyota Celica Cabrio (T16) stands at about 1,280 mm (50.4 inches) in height. This low profile enhances its aerodynamic properties by reducing air resistance and drag when the top is up, helping improve fuel efficiency and stability at speed. The low roofline also gives it a sleek sports car appearance. When the roof is retracted, the height is naturally lower which improves the open-air driving experience and visibility. However, in terms of overall visibility, the low seating position combined with the cabriolet design provides decent road visibility but limited rearward visibility, which is common in convertible cars.

Compared to its predecessor, the Toyota Celica Cabrio (early 1980s models), the T16 generation introduced in 1987 features a more modern and slightly larger design. The T16’s length of approximately 4,345 mm (171.1 inches) is a marginal increase from earlier models, providing a slightly longer wheelbase which resulted in improved ride comfort and stability. The width of 1,690 mm (66.5 inches) is also slightly wider, offering better interior space and road presence. Overall, while still compact, the T16 generation refined the proportions to provide enhanced comfort and sportiness relative to the previous cabriolet Celica.

The Toyota Celica Cabrio (T16) competes closely in size with other compact cabriolets from the late 1980s, such as the Mazda MX-5 NA and Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet. Its length of about 4,345 mm (171.1 inches) is slightly longer than the early MX-5 NA (around 3,970 mm / 156.3 inches), giving it a bit more interior and trunk space. In width, it's comparable to these rivals, ensuring good handling balance. While some competitors might have offered more modern or refined features, the Celica Cabrio carved out its niche by combining Toyota's renowned build quality with a sporty yet practical open-top design consistent with its dimensions.

The Toyota Celica Cabrio (T16) offers a modest trunk capacity typical of compact convertibles from the era. With the soft top up, the trunk holds around 170 to 200 liters (approximately 6 to 7 cubic feet) of cargo space, which suffices for daily needs or small luggage. However, when the convertible roof is retracted, a significant portion of the trunk space is occupied by the folded top mechanism and storage compartment, reducing usable cargo capacity noticeably. This tradeoff is common in cabriolet designs, so luggage space is limited but still functional for light use or short trips with minimal baggage.

Given its compact dimensions—length of approximately 4,345 mm (171.1 inches), width of 1,690 mm (66.5 inches), and moderate curb weight—the Toyota Celica Cabrio (T16) is well-suited for city driving. Its relatively small size allows for easy maneuverability through tight urban streets and parking in confined spots. The cabriolet design enhances the driving experience, especially in pleasant weather, making it enjoyable for short city trips or weekend drives. However, with limited rear seats and cargo space, it might be less practical for transporting multiple passengers or large amounts of cargo frequently.