1972 Alfa Romeo Alfetta (116) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta (116) sedan boasts a wheelbase length of 2,500 mm (98.4 inches). This relatively long wheelbase for its segment improves ride comfort by providing better stability and a smoother ride over uneven surfaces. Additionally, it enhances interior space, particularly for rear-seat passengers, by increasing legroom. This design choice reflected Alfa Romeo's intention to offer a sporty yet comfortable driving experience, balancing sharp handling characteristics with passenger comfort in the compact executive segment.

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta (116) typically weighs around 1,130 kg to 1,200 kg (approximately 2,492 to 2,645 lbs), depending on the specific engine and trim level. This relatively lightweight construction contributes positively to the vehicle's agility and handling, characteristic of Alfa Romeo’s emphasis on sporty driving dynamics. The lighter weight enhances acceleration and braking performance while aiding fuel efficiency. The Alfetta’s use of a transaxle layout, where the gearbox is mounted at the rear for better weight distribution, further complements the weight, improving balance and overall driving enjoyment.

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta (116) has a height of approximately 1,380 mm (54.3 inches) and a ground clearance estimated around 140 mm (5.5 inches). The relatively low height contributes to a lower center of gravity, improving handling stability and cornering performance. The modest ground clearance balances the need for everyday usability with sporty driving; it is sufficient for typical urban and suburban road conditions without risking excessive scraping during drives over speed bumps or uneven surfaces. This combination reinforces the Alfetta’s sporty nature, emphasizing driver engagement and responsive handling.

Inside the Alfa Romeo Alfetta (116), the cabin space was designed to comfortably accommodate four to five passengers, with a focus on driver ergonomics and sporty seating position. While compact compared to larger executive cars, the Alfetta offers good front and rear headroom and legroom for a car its size. Thanks to its 2,500 mm wheelbase, rear passengers enjoy reasonable legroom for short- to mid-length journeys. Compared to other sedans of the 1970s and early 1980s, it strikes a balance between compact exterior dimensions and a thoughtfully packaged interior, aligning with its class peers like the BMW 3 Series or Audi 80 from that era.

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta (116) fits comfortably into a standard single-car garage. Given its length of approximately 4,280 mm (168.5 inches) and width of 1,620 mm (63.8 inches), most residential garages designed for sedan-sized vehicles accommodate it without issue. The car’s relatively compact dimensions, especially its moderate width and length compared to modern standards, make parking and garage storage manageable. Owners generally face no difficulty maneuvering the Alfetta in typical home garage spaces, which usually measure around 2,500 mm (98 inches) or more in width and 5,000 mm (196 inches) or greater in length.

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta (116) marked a significant evolution from its predecessors, notably improving in both dimensions and performance. Compared to earlier Alfa Romeo sedans from the 1960s, such as the Alfetta's spiritual predecessor, the Giulia, the Alfetta increased in length and featured a longer wheelbase (2,500 mm versus Giulia's approximately 2,420 mm). This change enhanced interior space and ride quality. Performance-wise, the Alfetta introduced a sophisticated transaxle layout, improving weight distribution and handling compared to the front-engine, front-transmission design of earlier models. The Alfetta’s engine options and suspension tuning were also more advanced, making it a sportier and more comfortable sedan, reflecting Alfa Romeo's move towards modernity in the compact executive segment.

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta (116) shared the compact executive car market with contemporaries like the BMW E21 3 Series and the Audi 80. Dimensionally, the Alfetta’s length of around 4,280 mm and width of 1,620 mm placed it roughly on par with these competitors. However, the Alfetta distinguished itself with its innovative transaxle layout offering near-perfect weight distribution, which many competitors lacked at the time. While BMW 3 Series models emphasized rear-wheel drive dynamics and Audi was pioneering front-wheel-drive compact sedans, the Alfetta blended sporty handling with a unique mechanical setup. Its Italian styling and driving engagement often appealed to enthusiasts looking for an alternative to German cars. In interior space and comfort, it was competitive but tended to offer a sportier rather than ultra-luxurious experience.

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta (116) sedan offered a practical trunk space suitable for its class, with luggage capacity around 370 to 400 liters (13 to 14 cubic feet). This cargo volume was adequate for everyday needs like grocery shopping or weekend travel. The sedan's trunk was designed to allow fairly easy access and was complemented by a wide tail opening to facilitate loading larger items. While not the largest in its category, the cargo area balanced storage needs with the vehicle's focus on sporty dynamics and compact dimensions. Rear seats typically were fixed, so folding options were limited compared to modern standards, but the trunk space was serviceable for most typical uses.

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta (116) is notable for its groundbreaking design innovations and role in Alfa Romeo's history. Introduced in the early 1970s, it featured a rear-mounted transaxle configuration, with the gearbox and differential located at the rear of the car, linked by a torque tube. This design improved weight distribution and handling balance significantly, a pioneering approach in its class at the time. The Alfetta also introduced sophisticated suspension setups, including independent suspension all around, enhancing ride comfort and driving dynamics. Its styling encapsulated the sharp yet elegant Italian design of the era, and it became the basis for various motorsport derivatives, underpinning Alfa Romeo's racing legacy. The Alfetta's blend of innovation and sportiness helped set a benchmark for compact executive sedans.