| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1975 |
| Production Years: | 1975 - 1980 discontinued in 1980 |
The Toyota Corolla Coupe III, produced from 1975 to 1980, encompasses the generation identifiers E30, E40, E50, and E60. This generation marked a significant phase in the Corolla's evolution as a stylish and compact coupe option within the Corolla lineup. Designed during the mid-1970s, the Corolla Coupe III featured a classic coupe body style with two doors and a sporty yet practical design aimed at providing an enjoyable driving experience with reliable Toyota engineering.
While exact external dimensions can vary slightly between the sub-models (E30, E40, E50, E60), the Corolla Coupe III typically measured approximately 4,140 mm (163 inches) in length, 1,610 mm (63 inches) in width, and 1,280 mm (50 inches) in height. This compact size made the vehicle maneuverable and well-suited for urban environments, while maintaining a stylish profile with its sleek roofline and compact footprint.
The weight of the Corolla Coupe III ranged around 800 to 900 kg (1,764 to 1,984 lbs), contributing to its nimble handling and fuel efficiency. The coupe design was popular among drivers seeking a sporty alternative to the sedan version without sacrificing the Corolla's renowned reliability and affordability.
This generation Corolla continued Toyota’s reputation for solid build quality and functional design, making it a favored choice among compact coupes in the 1970s. Its size and proportions offered a balanced blend of passenger comfort and dynamic driving qualities suitable for both daily commuting and light sport driving.
Overall, the Toyota Corolla Coupe III (E30 to E60) remains a notable classic car example that combines compact dimensions, distinctive coupe styling, and dependable engineering, appealing to enthusiasts of vintage Japanese automobiles.
Discover the standout features that make the 1975 Toyota Corolla Coupe III a leader in its class
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The Toyota Corolla Coupe III from the years 1975 to 1980 features compact exterior dimensions typical of mid-1970s coupes. The length ranges approximately between 4,000 mm to 4,050 mm (157.5 to 159.4 inches), the width is about 1,540 mm (60.6 inches), and the height stands near 1,280 mm (50.4 inches). This size reflects its design focus on being a sporty two-door coupe with a relatively low profile, making it agile and easy to maneuver in urban environments.
The wheelbase of the Corolla Coupe III generally measures around 2,300 mm (90.6 inches). This moderate wheelbase length contributes to the vehicle's nimbleness and compact handling characteristics, which are ideal for tight city streets or winding roads. While a longer wheelbase typically enhances ride comfort by smoothing out bumps, the Corolla Coupe III balances this with responsive handling, offering a sportier driving experience at the expense of some ride softness.
The curb weight of the Corolla Coupe III ranges from approximately 900 to 950 kilograms (1984 to 2094 pounds), depending on the specific model and market variant. This relatively light weight contributes positively to its agility and fuel efficiency. The lighter body allows for quicker acceleration and more responsive handling compared to heavier coupes, making it well-suited for spirited driving and economical daily use.
With a height around 1,280 mm (50.4 inches), the Corolla Coupe III is moderately low, consistent with the sporty coupe styling popular in the mid to late 1970s. This low profile helps reduce aerodynamic drag and improve stability at speed. Compared to other compact coupes of the era, it is fairly typical, balancing sporty aesthetics without sacrificing too much headroom for occupants.
The Corolla Coupe III, being a two-door coupe, offers a relatively cozy cabin designed to accommodate four passengers in a compact layout. Interior space prioritizes front-seat comfort with adequate legroom and headroom for average-sized adults. Rear seats are best suited for shorter trips or smaller passengers due to limited legroom, characteristic of coupe body styles where emphasis is on style and front passenger experience rather than rear passenger spaciousness.
Yes, with its compact dimensions—length around 4,000 mm (157.5 inches), width approximately 1,540 mm (60.6 inches), and height about 1,280 mm (50.4 inches)—the Toyota Corolla Coupe III easily fits into a standard residential garage. Typical garage sizes usually start around 6,000 mm (236 inches) in depth and 3,000 mm (118 inches) in width, providing ample space not only for the car itself but also for opening doors and maneuvering around the vehicle.
The Corolla Coupe III represents a progression in both size and styling compared to the Corolla Coupe II. While maintaining a similar compact footprint, the third-generation Coupe introduced subtle increases in length and width, refining the car’s stance and enhancing interior comfort. The design shifted toward a slightly more aerodynamic and modern aesthetics of the late 1970s, with cleaner lines and a sportier profile compared to the boxier, earlier generation.
In comparison with contemporaries like the Datsun 210 Coupe, Ford Pinto Coupe, and Honda Civic Coupe of the late 1970s, the Toyota Corolla Coupe III holds up well with its compact dimensions and balanced proportions. It is generally lighter and slightly narrower, emphasizing nimble handling and fuel efficiency rather than outright power. While some competitors offered more aggressive performance options, the Corolla’s reputation for reliability and low ownership costs made it a popular choice in the compact coupe segment.
The Corolla Coupe III is known for its excellent fuel efficiency relative to other cars of its time, largely due to its lightweight construction and efficient four-cylinder engines. Fuel economy typically averaged around 8 to 10 liters per 100 kilometers (approximately 23 to 29 miles per gallon). This made it appealing for budget-conscious drivers during the 1970s fuel crises, combining the sporty coupe form factor with practical running costs.
Throughout its production from 1975 to 1980, the Corolla Coupe III was offered with a range of small-displacement four-cylinder engines, including 1.2L to 1.6L variants. These engines prioritized fuel economy and reliability, producing modest horsepower usually between 55 and 75 hp. While not designed as a high-performance sports car, the lightweight chassis and efficient engines allowed for lively performance suitable for everyday driving and occasional spirited runs.
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