1984 Volkswagen Golf II (3-door) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Volkswagen Golf II (3-door) ranges from 845 kg to 1050 kg (approximately 1863 to 2315 pounds), depending on the specific trim and equipment. A lighter curb weight typically contributes to improved acceleration, fuel efficiency, and handling. Variations in weight come from differences in engine options, trim levels, and additional features. The lighter models offer more agile driving dynamics, while the heavier ones may provide enhanced stability and comfort at the expense of some fuel economy.

The maximum permissible weight (gross vehicle weight) of the Volkswagen Golf II ranges from 1360 kg to 1540 kg (about 2998 to 3397 pounds). This figure includes the vehicle's curb weight plus passengers, cargo, and any additional equipment. The maximum weight capacity directly impacts how much load the vehicle can safely carry without compromising handling, braking, and safety. For practical purposes, this means the Golf II can accommodate moderate passenger and luggage weight but is not designed for heavy towing or carrying extremely heavy loads.

The Volkswagen Golf II offers a luggage capacity of 230 to 345 liters (8.1 to 12.2 cubic feet) with the rear seats in their standard upright position. When the rear seats are folded down, the capacity significantly expands to between 1030 and 1145 liters (36.4 to 40.4 cubic feet). This range of cargo volume makes the Golf II quite practical for everyday tasks, such as grocery shopping, carrying sports equipment, or small-scale moving needs. Its flexibility enhances usability for a compact hatchback, balancing passenger comfort with cargo space efficiently.

The Volkswagen Golf II has a ride height or ground clearance of 120 mm (approximately 4.7 inches). This relatively low ground clearance contributes to a lower center of gravity, which helps in delivering better handling and stability, especially during cornering and at higher speeds on paved roads. However, this makes the Golf II less ideal for rough terrain or areas with significant bumps and potholes, as it offers limited clearance to navigate over obstacles without risking damage to the underbody.

The Volkswagen Golf II features a variety of rim sizes: 5J x 13, 5.5J x 13, and 6.5J x 15 inches, paired with tire sizes ranging from 155/65 R13, 175/70 R13, to 185/55 R15. Smaller rim and tire combinations tend to offer a more comfortable ride with greater absorption of road imperfections, supporting everyday comfort. Larger rims with wider tires (like the 6.5J x 15 with 185/55 R15 tires) generally enhance handling responsiveness and cornering grip but may lead to a firmer ride feel. This range allowed buyers to select a model that balances comfort and sportiness.

Yes, the Volkswagen Golf II (3-door) fits comfortably into a standard single-car garage. Given its length of 3985 mm (about 13.1 feet), width between 1665 and 1680 mm (approximately 5.5 feet), and height around 1410 mm (4.6 feet), it is compact enough to allow for clearance on all sides within a typical garage space, which usually measures around 2.4 to 2.7 meters wide (8 to 9 feet) and 6 meters deep (20 feet). This makes parking and storage convenient for most residential garages.

Compared to its predecessor, the first-generation Volkswagen Golf (known as Golf I), the Golf II maintained a very similar footprint but refined the dimensions slightly to enhance interior space and comfort. While the Golf I was about 3700 to 3900 mm in length depending on the model, the Golf II's 3985 mm length provided a bit more room, especially for rear passengers. Additionally, improvements in width and height contributed to a more spacious cabin without significantly increasing bulkiness, thus preserving ease of parking and maneuverability. Overall, the Golf II offered a balance of improved interior ergonomics and a familiar, compact exterior profile.

In the mid-1980s, the Volkswagen Golf II was highly competitive among compact hatchbacks such as the Ford Fiesta, Opel Kadett, and Toyota Corolla hatchback. With a length just under 4 meters and a cargo capacity range from 230 to 345 liters expandable to over 1000 liters with seats folded, the Golf II offered excellent cargo versatility. Its slightly wider stance provided stable driving characteristics, while the modular rear seats enhanced its practicality for various lifestyle needs. While some rivals may have been marginally smaller or lighter, the Golf II’s combination of German engineering, solid build quality, and flexible cargo space made it a favorite choice in the segment.

The Volkswagen Golf II employs an independent suspension setup with MacPherson struts at the front and either a torsion beam or semi-independent rear suspension, depending on the model variant. This arrangement aimed to balance ride comfort with handling precision. The chassis was engineered to provide a stable and predictable driving experience, with responsive steering and good road-holding capabilities for a compact hatchback of its time. While not designed for sporty driving like performance-oriented models, the Golf II delivers solid everyday drivability with a focus on comfort and control.