Fiat 128 1969–1975 car dimensions: 3856 mm long, 1590 mm wide and 1420 mm high. Unladen weight is 805 kg. Braked towing is 800 kg.
The cabin offers space for four or five with no transmission tunnel thanks to the transverse front-drive layout, giving good rear legroom. Instruments cover speed, fuel and coolant temperature. A two-speed heater with through-flow ventilation is fitted, plus intermittent wipers. Radio is optional and not integrated. Seats are simple, with reclining fronts and later headrests on higher trims. No electronic driver aids appear.
The sedan boot holds 370 litres. Spare wheel sits in the engine bay to free luggage space. Rear seats do not fold as standard on the saloon.
Towing is rated at 435 kg unbraked and 800 kg braked. Payload sits around 355-400 kg with kerb weights near 800-820 kg and gross around 1205 kg. The car suits light family or everyday use rather than heavy work.
The cabin feels roomy for the car's size thanks to the flat floor from the front-drive layout. Front seats fully recline and offer decent support. A padded anti-glare dash sits ahead of clear gauges. Heater and fresh-air vents work via simple levers and a two-speed fan. Vinyl trim covers seats and panels in black, brown or red. Large glass areas give strong all-round visibility. The ride stays firm and can feel choppy on rough roads.
Petrol fuel, 38-litre tank
Timing belt change every 20,000 km
Front discs and rear drums, dual-circuit brakes
Rigid passenger cell with progressive crumple zones
Three-piece collapsible steering column
Radial tyres standard
The car runs on petrol. The tank holds 38 litres. Mixed driving in period tests returned around 35 mpg on 4-star fuel.
Service centres on the toothed timing belt. It drives the overhead cam and must be replaced every 20,000 km because the engine is an interference design. Early cars also need regular valve-clearance checks. Keep to the maker's oil and filter schedule for long life.
Safety design includes a strong central cell and crumple zones at both ends. The fuel tank sits protected under the rear floor. Brakes use front discs and rear drums with dual hydraulic circuits. The steering column collapses in three sections on impact. Seat belts were available. intermittent wipers came as standard.
Body rust is the main long-term concern, especially around the screen, wheel arches, sills and floor. Mechanical parts stay reliable when the belt and fluids are kept up to date. Spare-wheel access under the bonnet is simple.
Length 3856 mm, Width 1590 mm, Height 1420 mm, Wheelbase 2448 mm (128 1969–1975)
Sources: manufacturer data, Haynes Fiat 128 Owners Workshop Manual , data supplied by Fiat Motor Company Ltd, Fiat European specification, Ground clearance is null because the manual’s inch and millimetre pair do not agree.