1990 Subaru Rex 660 C Specs

OVERVIEW

With a fuel consumption of 39.8 mpg US - 47.8 mpg UK - 5.9 L/100km, a weight of 1410 lbs (640 kg), the Subaru Rex 660 C has a water cooling 4 cylinder SOHC engine, a Regular gasoline engine EN07. This engine EN07 produces a maximum power of 42.5 PS (42 bhp - 31.3 kW) at 7000 rpm and a maximum torque of 51.9 Nm (38.3 lb.ft - 5.3 kg.m) at 4500 rpm. The engine power is transmitted to the road by the front wheel drive (FF) with a ECVT gearbox. For stopping power, the Subaru Rex 660 C braking system includes Leading trailing drum brake at the rear and Disk at the front. Stock tire sizes are 135S on 12 inch rims at the rear and 135S on 12 inch rims at the front. Chassis details - Subaru Rex 660 C has semi trailing arm type independent suspension rear suspension and strut independent front suspension for road holding and ride confort.

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By Brian Wong, Reviewed by: Kurt Niebuhr, Updated on April 23, 2024

Introduction to the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C

The 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C, a compact hatchback, holds its place in automotive history as a representation of the kei car category. This model was in production from March 1990 to February 1992, showcasing Subaru's commitment to engineering efficient and compact vehicles.

Body and Dimensions: The Rex 660 C sports a hatchback body type, ideal for urban commuting and tight parking spaces. Its exterior dimensions measure 329.5 cm in length, 139.5 cm in width, and 142 cm in height. This compact design allowed for agile maneuverability in crowded city streets while providing a surprisingly spacious interior for its class.

Interior Comfort: Inside the Rex 660 C, passengers are greeted with a cabin boasting an interior length of 175 cm, a width of 121.5 cm, and a height of 116.5 cm. This design optimization ensures that even in a compact car, occupants can enjoy a relatively comfortable ride. With seating for up to four individuals across five doors, it strikes a balance between passenger capacity and urban practicality.

Engine and Performance: Under the hood, the Rex 660 C is powered by the EN07 engine, a water-cooled 4-cylinder SOHC unit, delivering 42.5 PS of power at 7000 rpm and a torque of 51.9 Nm at 4500 rpm. These specifications, while modest by today's standards, were well-suited for its intended urban use. The engine's efficiency is further emphasized by its regular gasoline fuel type and impressive fuel consumption figures. In a 10/15 mode, it achieves 39.8 mpg in the US or 47.8 mpg in the UK, making it a frugal choice for daily commuting.

Transmission and Drive: The Rex 660 C is equipped with an ECVT transmission and features front-wheel drive (FF), ensuring smooth and convenient operation in city traffic.

Dimensions and Safety: Its compact footprint, with a minimum turning circle of 4.5 meters, makes it exceptionally nimble in tight spaces. Additionally, it maintains a safe ride with its 17 cm ground clearance, contributing to driver confidence in various road conditions.

Amenities: While not laden with advanced features, the Rex 660 C offers practical amenities such as a standard back wiper and centralized door locking. Its focus remains on efficiency and maneuverability, making it an ideal choice for city dwellers seeking reliable transportation.

The 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C, with its blend of compactness and efficiency, carved a niche for itself in the automotive landscape, offering an economical and practical solution for urban mobility during its production years.

Engine Specifications: Powering the Rex 660 C

The heart of the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C lies in its engine specifications, defining the power and performance that propelled this compact hatchback. Under the hood, the Rex 660 C housed the EN07 engine, a 4-cylinder SOHC powerplant designed for efficiency and urban maneuverability.

Engine Type: The EN07 engine featured water cooling, ensuring it maintained optimal operating temperatures during city commutes and longer drives alike. With a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design, it prioritized simplicity and reliability.

Power Output: This compact engine generated a respectable 42.5 PS (42 horsepower) at 7000 rpm, making it suitable for navigating urban streets and highways with ease. While it may not have been a powerhouse, it offered sufficient power for its intended purpose.

Torque: The Rex 660 C's engine produced a torque of 51.9 Nm (38.3 lb-ft) at 4500 rpm. This torque figure, combined with the engine's power output, provided the necessary acceleration and responsiveness for city driving scenarios.

Fuel Type and Efficiency: The engine ran on regular gasoline, a cost-effective and widely available fuel option. Fuel efficiency was a notable feature of the EN07 engine, with impressive figures like 39.8 mpg in the US or 47.8 mpg in the UK in a 10/15 mode, making it an economical choice for daily commuters. In a 60 km/h mode, it achieved an even more impressive 60.3 mpg in the US or 72.4 mpg in the UK.

Transmission: The Rex 660 C was equipped with an ECVT (Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission) gearbox, contributing to the overall efficiency of the vehicle. This type of transmission provided seamless acceleration and contributed to the car's smooth and hassle-free operation in city traffic.

The engine specifications of the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C underscored its role as an urban-oriented vehicle, offering a balanced blend of power, efficiency, and reliability to meet the demands of daily commuting in a compact, city-friendly package.

Dimensions and Sizes: Exploring the Car's Compact Design

Delving into the dimensions and sizes of the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C, one immediately recognizes its compact design, purposefully engineered for urban living and maneuverability.

Exterior Dimensions: The Rex 660 C measured 329.5 cm (129.72 inches) in length, 139.5 cm (54.92 inches) in width, and 142 cm (55.9 inches) in height. These compact exterior dimensions allowed the vehicle to navigate tight city streets and fit into parking spaces with ease.

Interior Space: Inside the cabin, the Rex 660 C maximized its available space, providing an interior length of 175 cm (68.89 inches), a width of 121.5 cm (47.83 inches), and a height of 116.5 cm (45.86 inches). Despite its compact exterior, the car offered a relatively comfortable and efficient interior layout.

Wheelbase: The wheelbase, measuring 229.5 cm (90.35 inches), contributed to stability and ride comfort, even on uneven urban roads.

Axle Length: Both the front and rear axles shared the same length of 122 cm (48.03 inches), contributing to a balanced weight distribution and handling characteristics.

Ground Clearance: With a ground clearance of 17 cm (6.69 inches), the Rex 660 C struck a balance between managing road imperfections and providing a stable ride.

Seating Capacity: The vehicle accommodated up to four passengers across five doors, ensuring that it remained a practical choice for urban families or those seeking a compact yet functional commuting solution.

Turning Circle: The Rex 660 C boasted a minimum turning circle of 4.5 meters, allowing it to execute tight turns and navigate confined spaces effortlessly.

Weight: With a weight of 640 kg (1410 lbs), the car remained lightweight, contributing to its efficiency and maneuverability.

The 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C's design focused on compactness without compromising practicality, making it an ideal choice for urban environments where space is at a premium, and nimble maneuverability is essential.

Fuel Tank Capacity: How Much Can It Hold?

Exploring the fuel tank capacity of the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C sheds light on its ability to cover distances efficiently without frequent refueling stops.

Fuel Tank Capacity: The Rex 660 C was equipped with a fuel tank that could hold up to 8.4 US gallons or 7 UK gallons, which is approximately equivalent to 32 liters. This fuel tank capacity was well-suited for a compact urban commuter like the Rex 660 C, offering a reasonable range between refueling stops.

With its efficient engine and compact design, the car's fuel tank capacity allowed drivers to make the most of their trips in urban and suburban settings. It struck a balance between a compact footprint and a practical fuel tank size, ensuring that owners could enjoy extended drives without constantly worrying about refueling.

Fuel Consumption: Efficiency on the Road

Examining the fuel consumption of the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C reveals its efficiency as a city-oriented vehicle, tailored for cost-effective and sustainable urban commuting.

Fuel Efficiency: The Rex 660 C showcased impressive fuel efficiency figures, making it an economical choice for daily travel. In a 10/15 mode, it achieved approximately 39.8 mpg in the US or 47.8 mpg in the UK, translating to about 5.9 L/100km. These numbers underscore the vehicle's ability to sip fuel conservatively during stop-and-go traffic and short city trips.

Highway Efficiency: On the open road at a steady 60 km/h (about 37 mph), the Rex 660 C excelled further, achieving around 60.3 mpg in the US or 72.4 mpg in the UK, which is approximately 3.9 L/100km. This showcased its capability to stretch a gallon of fuel for extended highway journeys, enhancing its practicality for longer commutes or weekend getaways.

Fuel Type: The Rex 660 C's regular gasoline fuel type made it a cost-effective choice for fueling up, as regular gasoline is widely available and typically less expensive than premium alternatives.

This level of fuel efficiency, combined with its compact design and agile handling, positioned the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C as a compelling option for individuals seeking an environmentally conscious and budget-friendly urban commuting solution.

Fuel Capacity and Its Impact on Range

Analyzing the fuel capacity of the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C provides insights into its range and suitability for various driving scenarios.

Fuel Capacity: With a fuel tank that could hold up to 8.4 US gallons or 7 UK gallons (approximately 32 liters), the Rex 660 C struck a balance between compactness and practicality. This fuel capacity, while not large by some standards, was well-matched to the car's efficient engine and city-focused design.

Impact on Range: The Rex 660 C's fuel capacity played a crucial role in determining its range between refueling stops. Given its impressive fuel efficiency figures, especially in city driving conditions, the vehicle could cover a substantial distance on a single tank of fuel. This made it an excellent choice for urban commuters who preferred to minimize stops at the gas station.

Practicality: The combination of a reasonably sized fuel tank and excellent fuel economy made the Rex 660 C a practical choice for daily city commuting. It allowed drivers to complete their daily errands or commute to work without the constant need for refueling, enhancing convenience and cost-effectiveness.

While it may not have been designed for long cross-country journeys, the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C excelled in its intended urban environment, where its compact size, efficiency, and practical fuel capacity made it a popular choice among city dwellers.

MPG (Miles Per Gallon): Calculating Fuel Efficiency

Exploring the MPG (Miles Per Gallon) of the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C offers a quantitative perspective on its fuel efficiency and how it performed in real-world driving conditions.

Impressive Fuel Efficiency: The Rex 660 C stood out for its excellent fuel efficiency, a key attribute that appealed to budget-conscious consumers and eco-conscious drivers alike. In a 10/15 mode, the vehicle achieved approximately 39.8 mpg in the US or 47.8 mpg in the UK. This mode simulated city driving conditions, involving frequent starts and stops, making it a relevant metric for urban commuters.

Highway Efficiency: When cruising steadily at 60 km/h (about 37 mph), the Rex 660 C showcased even greater efficiency, achieving around 60.3 mpg in the US or 72.4 mpg in the UK. This mode simulated highway driving conditions, emphasizing the vehicle's capability to stretch each gallon of fuel on longer journeys.

Practicality for City Dwellers: The combination of impressive city and highway fuel efficiency figures made the Rex 660 C an attractive option for city dwellers. Its frugal fuel consumption allowed owners to minimize the frequency of refueling stops, saving time and money in the process.

Economic and Environmental Benefits: Apart from the financial advantages of low fuel consumption, the Rex 660 C's fuel efficiency also translated into reduced emissions and a smaller carbon footprint, aligning with the growing environmental awareness of the time.

Ownership Satisfaction: Owners of the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C could enjoy both the economic and environmental benefits of its high MPG ratings, making it a practical and responsible choice for urban mobility.

Wheel Options: Rolling on Different Treads

The wheel options available for the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C played a crucial role in determining the vehicle's performance, handling, and overall driving experience. While these options might not have been as extensive as those of larger, more performance-oriented vehicles, they were tailored to meet the specific needs of this compact city car.

Standard Wheel Size: The Rex 660 C came equipped with 135S R12 tires and rims. These compact wheels were well-suited to the vehicle's small size, contributing to its nimble handling and agility in urban traffic.

Tire Efficiency: The choice of 135S R12 tires reflected a focus on efficiency and practicality. These tires struck a balance between minimizing rolling resistance for better fuel economy and providing adequate grip for urban driving conditions.

Handling Characteristics: The Rex 660 C's wheel options, combined with its suspension setup, allowed for responsive and predictable handling. This was particularly important in congested city streets, where maneuverability and agility were highly valued attributes.

Overall Impact: While the Rex 660 C may not have offered a wide range of wheel options or sporty performance features, its chosen wheel configuration complemented its design objectives. It prioritized efficiency, practicality, and ease of use, making it a dependable choice for urban commuters seeking a straightforward and economical driving experience.

In summary, the wheel options of the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C were well-matched to its intended purpose as a compact city car. They contributed to its nimble handling and efficient performance in urban environments.

Interior Space and Comfort

Exploring the interior space and comfort of the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C unveils its commitment to maximizing space within a compact footprint, ensuring passengers enjoy a comfortable and functional environment.

Interior Layout: Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Rex 660 C offered a surprisingly spacious interior. With an interior length of approximately 175 cm, a width of about 121.5 cm, and a height of around 116.5 cm, the cabin was designed to make the most of available space.

Seating Arrangement: The Rex 660 C featured seating for up to four passengers across five doors, accommodating both driver and passengers with ease. The layout ensured that occupants had ample room to sit comfortably without feeling cramped.

Driving Comfort: The driver's seat was designed with ergonomic considerations in mind, providing a comfortable driving position and easy access to controls. While the interior was straightforward and functional, it offered a pleasant driving experience for its intended urban use.

Practicality: The Rex 660 C's interior layout emphasized practicality, with sufficient storage compartments and well-placed controls. This made it convenient for daily commuting, allowing occupants to carry essentials and enjoy a hassle-free driving experience.

Compact Yet Comfortable: The Rex 660 C exemplified the idea that compact cars could still offer comfort and functionality. Its interior space, combined with thoughtful design, allowed it to fulfill the needs of urban commuters, providing a balance between space and maneuverability.

In summary, the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C's interior design prioritized space utilization and practicality, ensuring that passengers could enjoy a comfortable and functional environment within its compact dimensions.

Trim Levels and Features

Exploring the trim levels and features of the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C provides insights into the various configurations and amenities available to cater to a range of customer preferences.

Trim Levels: The Rex 660 C was offered in specific trim levels, each designed to suit different customer needs and budget considerations. While the exact trim options may vary depending on the market, they typically included base and upgraded trims, providing buyers with choices to align with their preferences.

Basic Features: The base trim of the Rex 660 C typically included essential features such as a standard back wiper, centralized door locking, and basic interior amenities. These features aimed at providing a functional and cost-effective driving experience.

Upgraded Trims: Upgraded trims of the Rex 660 C often introduced additional features and conveniences. While the specific features could vary, they might include power windows, power steering, air conditioning, or other enhancements aimed at improving comfort and convenience for occupants.

Safety Features: During this era, safety features were less extensive compared to modern vehicles. The Rex 660 C may have included basic safety features such as seatbelts, although features like airbags and advanced safety systems were not commonly found in vehicles of this class and era.

Customization: Depending on the market and consumer demand, Subaru may have offered customization options or packages to allow buyers to tailor their Rex 660 C to their specific needs. These options could include choices of interior materials, paint colors, and additional accessories.

Value Proposition: The 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C aimed to provide a cost-effective and practical solution for urban commuters. Buyers could select trim levels and features based on their priorities, whether it was budget-consciousness or a desire for added comfort and convenience.

In summary, the trim levels and features of the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C catered to a range of preferences and budgets, ensuring that buyers could find a configuration that best suited their needs for urban commuting.

Handling and Performance

Evaluating the handling and performance of the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C reveals its characteristics as a city-focused vehicle designed for agile and efficient urban driving.

Agile Maneuverability: The Rex 660 C was renowned for its nimble and agile handling, a crucial attribute for navigating the often congested and tight streets of urban environments. Its compact dimensions, combined with responsive steering, allowed drivers to effortlessly weave through traffic and execute tight turns.

Suspension Setup: The vehicle featured a front strut independent suspension and a rear semi-trailing arm type independent suspension. These suspension systems were optimized for urban driving conditions, ensuring a comfortable and stable ride, even when encountering uneven road surfaces.

Compact Design: The Rex 660 C's compact design contributed to its maneuverability and ease of parking in limited spaces. Its short wheelbase and compact overhangs allowed it to negotiate crowded city streets with confidence.

Engine Efficiency: The car's engine, the EN07, was designed for efficiency, making it well-suited for stop-and-go traffic commonly encountered in urban areas. While it may not have been a high-performance engine, it provided adequate power for its intended use.

Transmission: Equipped with an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT), the Rex 660 C offered smooth and seamless acceleration, contributing to its overall performance in urban driving scenarios.

Overall Focus: The handling and performance characteristics of the Rex 660 C underscored its role as a practical and efficient city car. It prioritized maneuverability, fuel efficiency, and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for daily urban commuting.

In summary, the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C's handling and performance attributes were tailored to excel in the context of city driving, offering drivers an agile and efficient means of navigating urban environments.

Safety Features of the Rex 660 C

Examining the safety features of the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C provides insights into the vehicle's approach to occupant protection during an era when automotive safety standards were evolving.

Basic Safety Equipment: During this period, automotive safety features were not as advanced as they are in contemporary vehicles. The Rex 660 C likely included basic safety equipment, such as seatbelts for front and rear occupants, which was a standard requirement.

No Airbags: Airbags, which have become a common safety feature in modern vehicles, were not typically found in cars of this class and era. The Rex 660 C did not include airbags for driver or passenger protection.

Body Structure: While specific information about the car's body structure is limited, automakers often designed their vehicles with reinforced safety structures to provide some degree of crash protection.

Safety Belt Pretensioners and Limiters: Features like safety belt pretensioners and limiters, which are now common in many vehicles, were not commonly available in cars of this class during the early 1990s.

Limited Safety Technology: The safety technology available in the Rex 660 C was basic by today's standards. The vehicle's focus was primarily on efficiency and urban commuting, and advanced safety features were not a primary consideration.

Driver Responsibility: Safety in vehicles of this era relied heavily on responsible driving practices and driver attentiveness. Vehicle occupants were expected to wear seatbelts, and the onus was on the driver to operate the vehicle safely.

In summary, the safety features of the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C reflected the automotive safety landscape of the time. While it likely included essential safety equipment such as seatbelts, advanced safety features commonly found in modern vehicles were not part of its design. Safety primarily depended on responsible driving practices and awareness of occupants.

Maintenance and Ownership Costs

Exploring the maintenance and ownership costs of the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C provides valuable insights for potential buyers and owners, shedding light on the financial aspects of owning and maintaining this compact city car.

Affordable Maintenance: The Rex 660 C was designed with simplicity and reliability in mind. Its straightforward mechanical components and efficient design contributed to relatively low maintenance costs. Routine maintenance tasks, such as oil changes, brake pad replacements, and basic engine servicing, were typically affordable compared to more complex or high-performance vehicles.

Fuel Efficiency: One of the key cost-saving factors of the Rex 660 C was its impressive fuel efficiency. With high miles per gallon figures in both city and highway driving conditions, owners benefited from reduced fuel expenses, making it an economical choice for daily commuting.

Availability of Parts: While it's important to consider the availability of replacement parts for older vehicles, Subaru's reputation for durability and reliability often meant that many Rex 660 C models remained in service for years. This helped ensure a steady supply of aftermarket and replacement components, further contributing to manageable ownership costs.

Insurance Costs: Insurance premiums for the Rex 660 C were generally reasonable, given its status as a compact city car. Insurance providers typically factored in the vehicle's size, performance, and historical safety records when determining rates.

Depreciation: Like many vehicles, the Rex 660 C experienced some level of depreciation over time. However, its relatively affordable initial price point meant that the depreciation curve was often less steep compared to luxury or high-performance cars.

Overall Affordability: The 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C was positioned as an affordable and practical choice for urban commuters. Its combination of economical fuel consumption, reasonable maintenance costs, and accessible parts contributed to its reputation as a cost-effective vehicle to own and operate.

In summary, the maintenance and ownership costs of the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C aligned with its role as an economical and budget-conscious urban commuter. It provided a balance between affordability and practicality, making it an attractive choice for those seeking cost-effective transportation.

Collectibility and Market Value

Assessing the collectibility and market value of the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C provides insights into how this compact city car is perceived by automotive enthusiasts and collectors.

Niche Collectibility: The Rex 660 C occupies a niche space in the world of automotive collectibles. While it may not have the same widespread recognition as classic sports cars or iconic muscle cars, it holds appeal among enthusiasts who appreciate its unique qualities and historical significance as a compact urban commuter.

Limited Production: The relatively limited production run of the Rex 660 C adds to its collectibility. Rarity often contributes to a vehicle's desirability among collectors, and this model's availability is limited, particularly in certain regions.

Historical Significance: The Rex 660 C represents a slice of automotive history, reflecting the design trends and engineering considerations of its era. Its place in the timeline of automotive development makes it noteworthy for collectors interested in the evolution of city cars.

Market Values: The market value of the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C can vary significantly based on factors such as condition, mileage, originality, and regional demand. Generally, well-maintained and original examples tend to command higher prices in the collector car market.

Restoration Projects: Some enthusiasts may seek out Rex 660 C models as restoration projects, aiming to bring these cars back to their original condition. The availability of aftermarket parts and a supportive enthusiast community can contribute to the appeal of such projects.

Growing Interest: As time passes, interest in vintage and classic vehicles continues to grow. This trend extends to niche and unique models like the Rex 660 C, which may find a dedicated following among collectors and enthusiasts.

In summary, the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C holds a niche position in the world of automotive collectibles, with its limited production, historical significance, and unique appeal contributing to its collectibility and market value.

Conclusion: Reflecting on the Subaru Rex 660 C's Specs

In conclusion, the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C represents a compact city car designed to address the needs of urban commuters during its era. Its specifications and features were tailored to provide efficiency, maneuverability, and practicality in dense urban environments.

Compact Design: The Rex 660 C's compact exterior dimensions and five-door layout made it well-suited for navigating crowded city streets and fitting into tight parking spaces.

Fuel Efficiency: One of its standout attributes was its impressive fuel efficiency, with high miles per gallon figures in both city and highway driving conditions. This made it a cost-effective choice for daily commuting.

Basic Safety: While safety features were relatively basic compared to modern vehicles, the Rex 660 C included essential safety equipment such as seatbelts.

Collectibility: In the realm of automotive collectibles, the Rex 660 C holds a unique place as a niche and historically significant city car. Limited production numbers and its representation of its era's design trends contribute to its appeal among collectors.

Market Value: Market values for the Rex 660 C can vary based on factors like condition, mileage, and originality. Well-maintained and original examples tend to command higher prices.

Overall Value: For its intended purpose as an urban commuter, the Rex 660 C offered practicality, affordability, and efficient transportation. Its compact design, economical engine, and reasonable maintenance costs made it a dependable choice for city dwellers seeking a budget-friendly and straightforward driving experience.

While it may not be a high-performance or luxury vehicle, the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C remains an intriguing and collectible piece of automotive history, reflecting the automotive landscape of its time and the specific needs it aimed to address.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the 1990-1992 Subaru Rex 660 C