1986 Volvo 480 E Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Volvo 480 E has a curb weight ranging from 1030 to 1079 kilograms, or approximately 2271 to 2379 pounds. This relatively lightweight structure contributes to the car's nimble handling and efficient performance. The lower weight allows the 480 E to be more responsive and agile, essential for a sporty coupe designed during its production period from 1986 to 1996.

The Volvo 480 E offers a luggage capacity of 160 liters (about 5.65 cubic feet) with the rear seats in their normal position. When the rear seats are folded down, the luggage space expands significantly to 660 liters (approximately 23.3 cubic feet). This makes the car practical for daily use and weekend trips, balancing sporty coupe styling with functional storage space.

The Volvo 480 E comes with different rim sizes depending on the variant, specifically 14-inch and 15-inch options. Tire sizes include 185/60 R14, 195/55 R15, and 185/65 R14. These tire and rim combinations provide a good balance between ride comfort and sporty handling suited to the car’s coupe character.

Yes, the Volvo 480 E fits comfortably into a standard home garage. With a length of 4258 mm (about 167.6 inches), width of 1710 mm (67.3 inches), and a low height of 1323 mm (52.1 inches), it is compact enough to maneuver and park indoors without issue. Its size aligns well with typical garage dimensions allowing for easy parking, while also offering a low-profile sporty presence.

At 1323 mm (52.1 inches), the Volvo 480 E has a notably low height compared to many other coupes from the late 1980s and early 1990s. This low roofline enhances its sporty and aerodynamic profile, promoting better handling and a sleeker look. While some contemporaries might be slightly taller for additional headroom, the 480 E’s dimensions emphasize a dynamic, driver-focused design.

With a width of 1710 mm (67.3 inches), the Volvo 480 E offers a relatively narrow stance compared to modern coupes but was typical for European compact sports coupes of its time. This width allows sufficient interior shoulder room for passengers yet contributes to a nimble handling experience by reducing overall frontal area, improving maneuverability and aerodynamic efficiency on the road.

The Volvo 480 E has a maximum weight (gross vehicle weight rating) ranging from 1410 to 1460 kilograms, or approximately 3109 to 3219 pounds. This figure represents the total allowable weight of the car fully loaded, including passengers and cargo. It ensures safe operation within design limits, influencing suspension setup, braking performance, and overall vehicle durability when carrying maximum loads.

The Volvo 480 E was unique in Volvo’s lineup as it did not have a direct predecessor; it was Volvo’s first front-wheel-drive sports coupe, introduced in 1986. Dimensionally, it was smaller and sportier than traditional Volvo sedans and wagons, measuring only 4258 mm in length and featuring a distinctive wedge-shaped design with pop-up headlights. This marked a significant departure from boxier earlier models, aiming at a younger market with a sportier, more compact image.

The Volvo 480 E was comparable in size to European sport coupes like the Peugeot 205 GTI and Toyota MR2 of the era, with a length just over 4.25 meters and narrow width under 1.8 meters. Stylistically, the 480 E stood out with its angular lines, pop-up headlights, and hatchback coupe body style, giving it a distinctive, futuristic look compared to more rounded competitors. Its size and weight also positioned it as a nimble, driver-focused option in the compact coupe segment.