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

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT (116) typically weighs around 1,100 to 1,200 kilograms (approximately 2,425 to 2,645 pounds), depending on the specific model variant and equipment. This relatively light curb weight for a mid-1970s coupe significantly contributed to the car's agile handling and spirited driving dynamics, traits that Alfa Romeo is well known for. The balanced weight distribution, helped by the rear transaxle transmission layout, improved cornering stability and responsiveness. This lightweight construction enabled the Alfetta GT to accelerate briskly with its range of engines and maintained fuel efficiency standards acceptable for its time, making it both practical and fun to drive.

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT (116) features a wheelbase measuring approximately 2,475 mm (97.4 inches). This wheelbase strikes a balance between stability and agility; a longer wheelbase often provides smoother ride quality by better absorbing road irregularities, while a shorter wheelbase enhances maneuverability and sharper handling. In the case of the Alfetta GT, the 2,475 mm length contributes to its reputation for nimble and engaging road manners without compromising too much on ride comfort. This dimension, paired with its advanced suspension setup for the era, allowed the vehicle to offer both dynamic driving experiences and reasonable comfort on varied road surfaces.

Yes, the Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT (116) generally fits into a standard residential garage. Typical single-car garages have internal dimensions around 2.4 to 2.7 meters (8 to 9 feet) in width and 5 to 6 meters (16.4 to 19.7 feet) in length. With the Alfetta GT’s width of approximately 1.634 meters (64.3 inches) and length of 4.13 meters (162.6 inches), it comfortably fits within these parameters, leaving enough space for door opening and maneuvering. Its relatively compact size compared to larger modern coupes and SUVs makes it practical for residential garages, but like any classic car, care should be taken with clearance to avoid scratches or dings.

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT (116) features a classic 2-door coupe layout with seating for four occupants, though rear-seat space is best suited for short trips or smaller passengers. The compact external dimensions, especially its 1,320 mm (51.9 inches) height, can limit headroom, especially for taller passengers. Legroom in the front is generally adequate for the era’s standards, thanks to a well-proportioned cabin length, but rear legroom is understandably tight. The design focus was more on driver engagement and sporty seating posture than on rear passenger luxury. Materials and ergonomics are characteristic of 1970s Italian design, providing a functional yet stylish cabin environment. For longer journeys, front-seat comfort dominates the experience.

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT (116), introduced in the early 1970s, is a direct evolution from the Alfa Romeo 105/115 series coupes of the 1960s. Dimensionally, the Alfetta GT is slightly larger in length and width. For example, the older 105 coupe typically measured around 4,000 mm (157.5 inches) in length, making the Alfetta GT about 130 mm (5.1 inches) longer. The width of the Alfetta GT at 1,634 mm (64.3 inches) is also marginally wider than the 105 series, which averaged about 1,600 mm (63 inches). These increases provided a more spacious cabin and improved road presence. The design also incorporated more modern styling and engineering advancements, such as the use of a rear transaxle for better balance, improving handling over the predecessor while maintaining a compact coupe form.

Compared to similar European coupes from the 1970s and early 1980s, the Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT (116) fits well within the compact yet sporty segment. Cars like the BMW 2002 coupe and the Porsche 924 share similar length (around 4.1 to 4.2 meters or 161-165 inches) and width dimensions, placing the Alfetta GT squarely in line with its rivals. The Alfetta GT stands out with its characteristic Italian design flair, featuring sleek lines and a purposeful stance. Its dimensions ensure it is neither too large nor excessively compact, offering drivers a balanced combination of handling agility and road presence. While some competitors might offer marginally more interior space, the Alfetta GT's engineering innovations, such as its rear transaxle, give it distinct driving dynamics advantages.

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT (116) provides a modest trunk capacity typical of small coupes from its era, with approximately 280 to 300 liters (9.9 to 10.6 cubic feet) of cargo space. This capacity is sufficient for daily use and weekend trips, accommodating several suitcases or grocery bags. The trunk shape is relatively regular, facilitating efficient packing of luggage and other items, though not as large or versatile as modern hatchbacks or sedans. Rear seats do not fold down, which limits the ability to transport longer items. Overall, the trunk space suits the vehicle's sporty and compact coupe design ethos, prioritizing style and driving dynamics over utility.

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT (116), with its compact size, sporty suspension setup, and relatively firm ride typical of coupes from the 1970s and 1980s, is best suited for spirited driving and moderate distances. The front seats offer reasonable comfort for extended trips, although rear passenger space and amenities are limited, which might be less ideal for long journeys with multiple occupants. The cockpit's driver-focused layout enhances driver engagement but may lack some contemporary comfort features. The car's size helps maneuverability in diverse driving environments, but the ride quality might feel somewhat firm over rough roads. Overall, it is a capable grand tourer for enthusiasts, but might not match modern touring comfort standards.

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT (116) embodies innovative engineering for its time, heavily influencing its size, weight distribution, and handling characteristics. A standout feature is its sophisticated rear transaxle drive layout, where the transmission is mounted at the rear axle. This design optimizes weight distribution, resulting in nearly 50/50 front-to-rear balance, enhancing handling precision and cornering stability. The relatively compact exterior size and low height improve aerodynamics and reduce the center of gravity. Safety features, while minimal by modern standards, included disc brakes and a rigid body design. The compact design aids responsiveness, but being a 1970s vehicle, it lacks modern restraint systems. Overall, its engineering choices balanced size with driver-focused dynamics.