| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1974 |
| Production Years: | 1974 - 1980 discontinued in 1980 |
Precise measurements of the 1974 Toyota Corolla III, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
| Tire Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Rims Size: | 13 |
The Toyota Corolla III, spanning the E30, E40, E50, and E60 series, was produced from 1974 to 1980, representing the third generation of this iconic compact sedan. Known for its reliability and practicality, this generation of the Corolla remained a popular choice in the sedan segment during the mid to late 1970s. It featured a classic and straightforward design tailored toward economy and usability, making it well-suited for everyday driving needs. The Corolla III generally came equipped with 13-inch rims, typical for compact cars of that era, contributing to a balanced ride quality and modest handling characteristics.
Dimensional specifics for this generation of Corolla reflected a compact footprint that was typical of sedans in the 1970s. While exact length, width, and height measurements vary across the E30-E60 sub-models and body styles, the general size placed it comfortably within the small family car segment. The compact nature complemented by its lightweight construction resulted in efficient fuel consumption and practical urban maneuverability. For reference, Corolla III models typically measured around 4,000 mm (approximately 157.5 inches) in length, with a width near 1,550 mm (61 inches), and a height close to 1,350 mm (53 inches), creating a profile that was sleek but practical.
Weight and performance were modest, emphasizing durability and economy over outright power. The Corolla III sedan served as a reliable and affordable transportation option during its production years and remains a respected classic among Toyota enthusiasts today. Its combination of compact dimensions, functional design, and consistent performance embodied the essence of Toyota’s commitment to building efficient, accessible vehicles during the 1970s.
Discover the standout features that make the 1974 Toyota Corolla III a leader in its class
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The Toyota Corolla III, produced from 1974 to 1980, typically had an overall length of around 3,960 mm (155.9 inches), a width of approximately 1,535 mm (60.4 inches), and a height close to 1,365 mm (53.7 inches). These measurements characterize it as a compact sedan of its era, offering a manageable size for both city and highway driving. The relatively compact width and height contributed to its agility and ease of maneuverability, while the length was sufficient to provide comfortable seating for passengers and adequate trunk space. These dimensions made the Corolla III well-suited for the mid-1970s market seeking reliable, practical, and economical transportation.
The curb weight of the Toyota Corolla III typically ranged between 850 kg to 900 kg (approximately 1,874 to 1,984 lbs), depending on the exact model and trim level. This relatively light weight contributed to the vehicle's fuel efficiency and nimble handling characteristics. The lower weight meant less inertia to overcome during acceleration and braking, allowing the Corolla III to deliver a peppy performance with its smaller displacement engines, which often ranged from 1.2 to 1.6 liters. Additionally, the modest mass helped in achieving better fuel economy, an important factor during the fuel-conscious 1970s. The combination of light weight and compact size made the Corolla III an economical choice in terms of operating costs.
The Toyota Corolla III offers a modest but functional interior space typical for compact sedans of its time. The cabin was designed to comfortably seat four to five passengers with decent headroom and legroom considering the vehicle's compact dimensions. Front and rear passengers would find ample space for city driving and moderate trips, though rear legroom might be somewhat limited for taller occupants. Interior width and shoulder space were adequate for the car’s class, while the seating configuration aimed for a good balance between comfort and maximizing passenger capacity. Given the era, the Corolla III emphasized practicality, with straightforward ergonomics and sufficient cargo space in the trunk to accommodate everyday essentials, making it a practical family car during its production years.
Yes, the Toyota Corolla III was designed as a compact sedan and fits comfortably into most standard residential garages. Given its dimensions—approximately 3,960 mm (156 inches) in length, 1,535 mm (60 inches) in width, and 1,365 mm (54 inches) in height—it occupies less space than many modern vehicles. Standard single-car garages typically have dimensions around 6,000 mm (236 inches) lengthwise and 3,000 mm (118 inches) wide, providing ample room for the Corolla III along with space to walk around or store items. Its relatively narrow width and modest height also make maneuvering into tighter spaces more manageable, an advantage if you have limited garage space or live in an urban area with compact parking facilities.
Compared to its predecessor, the Toyota Corolla II (E20) produced from 1970 to 1974, the Corolla III (E30-E60) was slightly larger in most dimensions. While the E20 had an overall length of roughly 3,930 mm (154.7 inches) and similar width, the Corolla III expanded marginally in length to 3,960 mm (155.9 inches) and width to about 1,535 mm (60.4 inches). Height remained close but was optimized ergonomically. This slight dimensional increase provided more interior space and improved comfort without compromising the vehicle’s compact footprint. The Corolla III also benefited from refined styling and enhanced aerodynamics, offering a more modern look while maintaining the practicality that made the E20 successful. Overall, the Corolla III built upon the E20's successful formula with subtle improvements in size and comfort.
The Toyota Corolla III was comparable in size to other popular compact sedans of the 1970s, such as the Datsun 120Y and the Ford Escort. The Corolla III’s length of approximately 3,960 mm (156 inches), width of 1,535 mm (60.4 inches), and height of 1,365 mm (54 inches) align closely with the Datsun 120Y, which typically ranged around 3,900 mm to 4,000 mm in length and had a similar width. Similarly, the Ford Escort of that era was slightly longer, often near 4,100 mm (161 inches), and a bit wider, making the Corolla III somewhat more compact in overall footprint. Despite these slight differences, all these vehicles were designed to offer economical, practical transportation with similar interior volumes and ease of parking in urban environments. The Corolla's reputation for reliability and efficiency often gave it an edge within this competitive cohort.
The Toyota Corolla III sedan models produced from 1974 to 1980 typically came equipped with 13-inch rims as standard. The stock tire sizes were generally modest in profile to complement the vehicle's compact design and contribute to fuel efficiency and ride comfort. Common tire dimensions included 155 SR 13 or 165 SR 13, which balanced grip with economical rolling resistance. These smaller wheel sizes were typical for compact sedans of the 1970s and aided in preserving the car’s lightweight characteristics. For owners interested in aftermarket upgrades, 13-inch wheels remain the practical maximum for this generation to maintain original handling characteristics and clearance.
The Toyota Corolla III sedan features a ground clearance of approximately 160 mm (6.3 inches), which was typical for compact sedans of its era. This clearance strikes a balance between providing enough height to negotiate common urban speed bumps and potholes comfortably while keeping the vehicle's center of gravity relatively low for better handling stability. The moderate ground clearance supports usability on a variety of paved surfaces and light gravel roads but is not intended for off-road or rugged terrain use. This height offers drivers sufficient confidence when navigating uneven roads or shallow driveway inclines common in residential and suburban settings, making it practical for everyday commuting and errands.
The Toyota Corolla III sedan offers a trunk capacity of approximately 370 to 400 liters (13 to 14 cubic feet), which was competitive for compact sedans of the mid to late 1970s. This cargo space was designed to accommodate typical passenger needs such as grocery bags, luggage for short trips, or equipment for daily activities. The trunk floor was generally flat, and the seating layout allowed access flexibility depending on the model variant. While not as large as modern hatchbacks or estates, the trunk capacity was thoughtfully designed within the compact overall dimensions of the Corolla III, providing a practical blend of passenger comfort and storage space appropriate for families or individuals requiring reliable transportation with some luggage capacity.
Yes, the Toyota Corolla III (E30, E40, E50, E60) introduced several design and engineering updates over its predecessors. This generation moved towards a more refined and aerodynamic exterior styling, with cleaner lines and a slightly more modern profile that aligned with mid-1970s automotive trends. Mechanically, it often featured improved suspension setups for better ride comfort and handling, making it more comfortable for longer journeys and diverse driving conditions. Engine options were upgraded for better fuel efficiency and emissions compliance, responding to the energy crisis of the 1970s. Additionally, safety features were incrementally improved, with better brakes and structural enhancements. These updates strengthened the Corolla’s reputation for reliability and practicality, further cementing its role as a best-selling compact sedan globally.
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