1974 Volkswagen Scirocco I (53) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The width of the Volkswagen Scirocco I is 1624 mm (63.9 inches). This width was typical for sporty coupes of the 1970s, providing a balanced profile that contributed to stable handling characteristics and a sporty stance. The vehicle's width complements its relatively low height, resulting in a streamlined silhouette that was popular in its segment during that period. Compared to other compact coupes from the same era, the Scirocco's width was neither too narrow nor excessively wide, striking a good balance between interior space and maneuverability.

The height of the Volkswagen Scirocco I is 1309 mm (51.5 inches). This low roofline emphasizes the coupe's sporty aesthetic but may limit headroom compared to taller sedans or hatchbacks. While the lower height contributes to better aerodynamics and a lower center of gravity for improved handling, the reduced vertical space can make the cabin feel slightly more compact. Passengers, especially taller individuals, may find headroom somewhat restrictive, which is typical for coupes designed with sportiness in mind during this era.

The curb weight of the Volkswagen Scirocco I ranges from approximately 775 kg to 800 kg (1,708 to 1,764 lbs). This relatively light weight is a significant factor in the car's sporty driving dynamics, enhancing acceleration, braking, and cornering performance. The lightweight construction contributes to better fuel efficiency, an important feature for drivers seeking both performance and economy in the 1970s. The low weight also aids in handling responsiveness, allowing the Scirocco I to feel agile and communicate the road effectively to the driver.

The luggage capacity of the Volkswagen Scirocco I ranges from 280 to 347 liters (9.9 to 12.3 cubic feet) with the rear seats in place, making it reasonably practical for a coupe of its size. When the rear seats are folded down, the luggage space significantly increases to between 533 and 820 liters (18.8 to 29.0 cubic feet), enhancing its versatility for carrying larger items. This flexibility allows the Scirocco I to handle weekend trips or daily errands comfortably, although it remains more tailored for sporty driving than cargo hauling compared to larger vehicles.

Yes, the Volkswagen Scirocco I is compact enough to fit comfortably into a standard garage. With a length ranging from 3874 mm to 3885 mm (152.5 to 153.0 inches), a width of 1624 mm (63.9 inches), and a height of 1309 mm (51.5 inches), it occupies a relatively small footprint. Most standard single-car garages, which often measure around 2400 to 3000 mm in width and 4800 to 6000 mm in length (approximately 8 to 10 feet wide by 16 to 20 feet long), can easily accommodate the Scirocco I, along with some additional space for opening doors and storage.

The Volkswagen Scirocco I features a ride height or ground clearance of 125 mm (4.9 inches). This relatively low clearance is typical for sporty coupes, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and lowering the center of gravity for improved handling and stability on paved roads. However, this low ground clearance means it is best suited for smooth surfaces and urban or suburban driving conditions. Rough or uneven terrains, steep driveways, or speed bumps may require careful navigation to avoid underbody scraping, so it is less ideal for off-road or highly uneven surfaces.

The Volkswagen Scirocco I effectively replaced the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia coupe and was developed as a sportier, more modern alternative. Compared to the Karmann Ghia, the Scirocco I was more compact in length (approx. 3874-3885 mm vs. around 4170 mm for Karmann Ghia Type 14), lighter (775-800 kg compared to roughly 950+ kg), and featured a lower height and sleeker styling for better aerodynamics and sportier performance. It shared Volkswagen's platform with the Golf Mk1 but was designed to offer a sportier driving experience and more dynamic exterior styling, thus appealing to enthusiasts looking for an affordable coupe with practical size.

In comparison to other sport compact coupes from the 1970s, such as the Ford Capri or Opel Manta, the Volkswagen Scirocco I is competitive in terms of dimensions and weight. Its length around 3.87 to 3.88 meters (152.5 to 153.0 inches) and curb weight of approximately 775-800 kg (1,708 to 1,764 lbs) are comparable or slightly lighter, contributing to nimble handling. The Scirocco's design focused on aerodynamic efficiency and modern styling, which was distinct within the segment. Its interior space and luggage flexibility with foldable rear seats offered practical advantages over some competitors that sacrificed practicality for sportiness.

The Volkswagen Scirocco I is equipped with 5J x 13 inch rims paired with 175/70 R13 tires. These relatively narrow tires and modest rim diameters reflect the engineering focus on balanced handling, ride comfort, and good road grip suitable for the performance capabilities of the car at the time. The tire size supports responsive steering and adequate traction while ensuring a comfortable ride quality. This setup was typical for sporty compact cars in the 1970s, aligning with the Scirocco's identity as an agile and fun-to-drive coupe.