1981 Volkswagen Polo II Coupe (86C) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Volkswagen Polo II Coupe has a curb weight of approximately 765 kg (about 1687 pounds), which includes the weight of the vehicle with standard equipment and necessary operating consumables but without passengers or cargo. Its maximum permitted weight is 1230 kg (about 2712 pounds), meaning it can carry an additional load of around 465 kg (1025 pounds). This weight capacity includes passengers, cargo, and any optional equipment. The light curb weight aids in fuel efficiency and nimble handling, characteristics valued in compact coupes of its era.

The Volkswagen Polo II Coupe offers practical cargo space given its compact dimensions. It has a luggage compartment capacity of 240 liters (approximately 8.5 cubic feet) with the rear seats in their upright position. For added versatility, the rear seats can be folded down to significantly expand the available space, increasing cargo capacity to 915 liters (about 32.3 cubic feet). This feature allows the Polo II Coupe to accommodate larger or bulkier items, enhancing the vehicle's utility despite its coupe body style.

Yes, the Volkswagen Polo II Coupe generally fits comfortably in a standard residential garage. Typical garage dimensions in many countries measure around 2400 to 2700 mm (7.9 to 8.9 feet) in width and roughly 4800 to 6000 mm (15.7 to 19.7 feet) in length. Considering the Polo II Coupe's length of 3725 mm (146.5 inches or about 12.2 feet), width of 1570 mm (61.8 inches or about 5.15 feet), and its height of 1350 mm (53.1 inches or approximately 4.4 feet), it easily fits within these common garage dimensions with room for maneuvering and storage. Its compact size is advantageous for those with limited parking space.

The Volkswagen Polo II Coupe notably grew compared to the Polo I. The Polo I was smaller and more basic, with a length around 3700 mm to 3750 mm but generally narrower and lower in height. The Polo II Coupe's length is about 3725 mm, slightly longer or similar depending on specific Polo I versions, but the overall design of the Polo II reflects a more refined and sporty coupe style, with a wider stance at 1570 mm and a lower height of 1350 mm contributing to an improved road presence and handling characteristics. The curb weight increased due to enhanced build quality but remained low at 765 kg to maintain the car's nimbleness.

Compared to other compact coupes from the early 1980s, the Volkswagen Polo II Coupe is on the smaller and lighter end of the spectrum. For instance, competitors like the Ford Fiesta Mk1 or the Opel Kadett coupe versions were generally longer and wider, often exceeding 3.8 meters in length and wider than 1.6 meters in width. The Polo II Coupe’s length of 3.725 meters and width of 1.57 meters make it a compact, agile choice suitable for city environments and tight parking spots. Its lighter weight of 765 kg also enhances fuel efficiency and handling when contrasted with heavier rivals.

The Volkswagen Polo II Coupe comes equipped with standard rims sized at 5.5J x 13 inches, fitted with tires measuring 155/70 R13. The relatively small wheel diameter and narrow tire width are typical for compact cars of its era, balancing ride comfort with adequate grip and precise steering response. These smaller wheels also contribute to lower unsprung weight, further improving handling and suspension responsiveness. The tire profile ensures sufficient cushioning over rough roads, making the Polo II Coupe stable and comfortable for both city and moderate-speed highway driving.

At a height of 1350 mm (53.1 inches), the Volkswagen Polo II Coupe has a relatively low profile that benefits both its sporty aesthetic and aerodynamic efficiency. The low height aids in reducing air resistance, which can improve fuel economy and contribute to stable high-speed driving. From an interior perspective, the modest height does impose a compact cabin space, especially influencing headroom which might be tighter compared to taller vehicles. Nevertheless, the Polo II Coupe's design maximizes usable interior volume for passengers while maintaining its sleek coupe shape.

The Polo II Coupe has a width of 1570 mm (61.8 inches), which is fairly narrow even within the compact car segment. This narrow width benefits exterior maneuverability, allowing the car to easily navigate through tight streets and parking spaces. However, a narrower cabin can impact shoulder room for passengers, especially in the front seats, making it slightly snug compared to wider modern vehicles. From a handling standpoint, the relatively narrow track might contribute to slightly reduced lateral stability but complements the car’s lightweight construction enhancing overall nimbleness.

With a luggage capacity of 240 liters (8.5 cubic feet) when the rear seats are up and an expanded 915 liters (32.3 cubic feet) when the seats are folded down, the Volkswagen Polo II Coupe offers excellent practicality for a small sports coupe. Many similar vehicles of its era featured limited cargo space due to their compact dimensions and fixed rear seats. The Polo II Coupe’s folding rear seats add versatility, allowing drivers to carry larger items or more luggage on trips. This feature made the Polo II an appealing choice for drivers seeking a balance of fun coupe styling and everyday usability.