Four Decades Later, Mini Cars Livin’ Large Sedan Life

  How Chevrolet Spark mini-car compares with average 1973 full-size American sedan.

 DETROIT – Mini-cars like the coming Chevrolet Spark are a fraction of the size of the average American 1973 full-size sedan, which were some of the largest passenger cars ever. But looks can be deceiving. Designers are putting a lot more inside small cars than might be expected.

Based on dimensional averages based on published data for popularly priced 1973 American sedan models marketed by three leading American manufacturers, here are four facts comparing today’s subcompacts and the 1973 sedans: 

·         Exterior - The mini-car is 50 percent smaller than the typical ’73 American full-size sedan.

·         Height - New subcompacts like the Chevy Spark are actually 6 inches taller than the 1973 sedan.

·         Wheels - The wheels on the new 2013 mini cars and the 1973 full-size cars are equal – both maintain their poise on standard 15-inch rims.

·         Interior - The 2013 subcompacts have front and rear headroom and front legroom that match the average 1973 American full-sized sedan.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year.  Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.