1973 Vauxhall Magnum Estate Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Vauxhall Magnum Estate varies slightly depending on the configuration and specific model year, ranging from 969 kg to 1022 kg (approximately 2136 to 2253 pounds). This weight range is typical for mid-sized station wagons from the 1970s, providing a good balance between stability and fuel efficiency. The variation in weight could be attributed to optional equipment or variations in engine size and trim levels.

The Vauxhall Magnum Estate offers a substantial luggage capacity for a vehicle of its size. With the rear seats in their upright position, the luggage space is 750 liters (approximately 26.5 cubic feet). When the rear seats are folded down, the cargo space expands significantly to 1460 liters (about 51.6 cubic feet), making it highly versatile for carrying larger or bulkier items, perfect for family trips and transporting goods.

The Vauxhall Magnum Estate has a ground clearance of 144 mm (approximately 5.7 inches). This moderate ride height aligns well with its design as an everyday station wagon, offering sufficient clearance for common road obstacles and uneven surfaces without compromising stability or ease of entry. This height allows for a comfortable ride across various road conditions while maintaining a low center of gravity for better handling.

With a length of 4153 mm (about 13.6 feet), width of 1643 mm (around 5.4 feet), and height of 1367 mm (approximately 4.5 feet), the Vauxhall Magnum Estate can comfortably fit into a standard garage. Typical residential garages in many countries have dimensions of roughly 6 meters (19.7 feet) in length and 3 meters (9.8 feet) in width, offering adequate space not just for parking the Magnum Estate but also for opening doors and some storage. Its relatively compact size for a wagon makes garage parking and maneuvering easier than larger estate cars.

The Vauxhall Magnum Estate, produced from 1973 to 1981, offers a notably practical design compared to its predecessor, the Vauxhall Viva Estate. The Magnum Estate is slightly more modernized and feature-rich, featuring 4153 mm in length and impressive cargo volumes of 750 liters with rear seats upright, expanding to 1460 liters when folded. The Viva Estate was generally smaller and offered less cargo space, making the Magnum Estate a better choice for those needing increased practicality. The updated dimensions and cargo capacities reflect a design evolution targeting enhanced utility without significantly increasing overall vehicle footprint.

During the 1970s, several station wagons like the Ford Escort Estate, Hillman Avenger Estate, and Austin Maxi competed in the same segment as the Vauxhall Magnum Estate. The Magnum's length of 4153 mm and its substantial luggage space of 750 liters (1460 liters with seats folded) provided competitive cargo capacity. Its relatively light curb weight (969-1022 kg) contributed to reasonably efficient performance. Compared to its peers, the Magnum Estate was a practical, medium-sized family wagon with good cargo flexibility but slightly narrower width, which could benefit parking and tight traffic. Overall, it aligned well with its market segment both in size and utility.

The Vauxhall Magnum Estate is a practical mid-sized station wagon designed primarily for families and individuals requiring a versatile vehicle combining passenger comfort with significant cargo space. Produced from 1973 to 1981, it was aimed at buyers looking for economical yet spacious transportation suitable for everyday commuting, shopping, and leisure trips. Its design balances between compact external dimensions and maximizing internal utility, commonly needed in urban and suburban environments of the time. The Magnum Estate's cargo capacity made it ideal for carrying sports gear, luggage, and other bulky items, fulfilling the growing demand for versatile family cars during the 1970s.

The Vauxhall Magnum Estate's curb weight ranges from 969 kg to 1022 kg (approximately 2136 to 2253 pounds), a relatively narrow spread reflecting differences in optional equipment, trim levels, and possibly engine variants. Lighter models offer slightly improved fuel efficiency and nimbleness, whereas heavier models may provide enhanced ride comfort and stability due to increased mass. Overall, this light-weight range contributes to balanced driving dynamics—easy handling, reasonable acceleration for the era, and efficient braking. Such weight characteristics helped buyers perform daily duties effectively without sacrificing maneuverability.

Standing at 1367 mm (roughly 4.5 feet), the Vauxhall Magnum Estate has a relatively low profile for a station wagon. This lower height positively impacts aerodynamics, reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency compared to taller estates or SUVs. It also contributes to a lower center of gravity, enhancing stability and cornering performance. For usability, the lower height might mean easier access to the roof and improved handling in windy conditions, though it slightly limits vertical cargo space inside the vehicle. Overall, the height reflects a design focus on combining car-like handling with the utility of an estate.