(April 26, 2012) 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.