| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1971 |
| Production Years: | 1970 - 1983 discontinued in 1983 |
The 1971 Chevrolet Caprice (70) is a full-size sedan produced by Chevrolet during its third generation lifespan from 1970 to 1983. Renowned for its classic American large car stature, the Caprice of this era features a spacious and comfortable interior, designed with family and long-distance driving in mind. This model retained the hallmark dimensions typical of early 1970s full-size cars, offering a commanding road presence and solid construction. Although specific dimensions for the 1971 Caprice (70) are not detailed here, vehicles of this generation generally measured around 5.6 meters (220 inches) in length and about 2 meters (79 inches) in width, contributing to its roomy passenger cabin and sizable trunk capacity. The height typically ranged near 1.4 meters (55 inches), establishing a balanced profile suited for both urban and highway use. Weighing approximately between 1,800 to 2,100 kilograms (4,000 to 4,600 pounds), the Caprice (70) provided a stable and smooth ride characteristic of American sedans of this size. Known for its V8 powertrain options, robust chassis, and traditional rear-wheel drive, the Chevrolet Caprice (70) from model year 1971 combined practicality with muscular styling cues. This makes it a notable collector's vehicle today and a classic reference point for car enthusiasts interested in large sedans from the 1970s. The production spanning over a decade highlights the Caprice's enduring popularity and significance in Chevrolet's full-size sedan lineup.
Discover the standout features that make the 1971 Chevrolet Caprice a leader in its class
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The 1971 Chevrolet Caprice (70) sedan measures approximately 5,697 mm (224.3 inches) in length, 1,980 mm (77.9 inches) in width, and 1,348 mm (53.0 inches) in height. These dimensions reflect the sizeable full-size American sedan status of the early 1970s, offering considerable presence on the road with ample interior space for passengers and luggage.
The wheelbase of the 1971 Chevrolet Caprice (70) is 2,896 mm (114.0 inches). This long wheelbase was typical for full-sized American sedans of the time, contributing to a smoother ride, greater interior legroom, and improved stability on highways. Compared to other similar vehicles of the era, the Caprice offered one of the longer wheelbases, emphasizing comfort and spaciousness.
The curb weight of the 1971 Chevrolet Caprice (70) sedan typically ranges around 1,859 kg (4,097 lbs), depending on the specific trim and optional equipment installed. This relatively heavy weight reflects the solid build and size of the car, resulting in a stable and comfortable ride but influencing fuel efficiency and acceleration. It was common for cars of this era and class to weigh over 1.8 tons, prioritizing comfort and luxury over lightweight performance.
The 1971 Chevrolet Caprice (70) sedan comfortably accommodates up to six passengers with its front bench seat and rear bench seating layout, a common design during the time that allowed more seating capacity than modern bucket seats. The roomy interior benefits from the generous exterior dimensions, providing ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room, ensuring comfort on both short trips and extended journeys.
The trunk of the 1971 Chevrolet Caprice (70) offers substantial cargo space typical of full-size sedans of the era, generally exceeding 600 liters (approximately 21 cubic feet). This large trunk accommodates luggage, groceries, and other cargo with ease, reflecting the practical design philosophy aimed at family and utility use. However, specific trunk dimensions may vary slightly by trim and optional equipment.
Fitting the 1971 Chevrolet Caprice (70) into a standard residential garage may be challenging depending on individual garage dimensions. With a length of approximately 5,697 mm (224.3 inches / 18.7 feet) and a width of 1,980 mm (77.9 inches / 6.5 feet), the Caprice is longer and wider than many modern sedans. Standard garages, typically around 6 meters (20 feet) deep and 3 meters (10 feet) wide, can accommodate the car, but tight clearances are likely, and careful maneuvering is necessary.
Compared to the previous generation (1966-1970 Chevrolet Caprice), the 1971 Caprice (70) slightly increased in size, embracing the trend towards larger, heavier, and more luxurious full-size sedans of the early 1970s. The 1971 model grew slightly in length and width, enhancing passenger comfort and trunk space. This evolution also reflected a styling refresh and new safety features, making the 1971 generation distinctively larger and more refined than its predecessor.
Dimensionally, the 1971 Chevrolet Caprice (70) is comparable to its American full-size peers like the Ford LTD and Chrysler New Yorker, all boasting lengths around 5.5 to 5.8 meters (18 to 19 feet) and widths near 2 meters (6.5 feet). The Caprice holds its own with a competitive size, offering a spacious interior and trunk space. Its slightly wider stance improves road presence and stability compared to some competitors, making it a popular choice for buyers seeking classic American full-size comfort.
The 1971 Chevrolet Caprice (70) featured a number of enhancements including a redesigned body style characterized by sharper edges and a more formal roofline to reflect 1970s styling trends. It came equipped with improved safety features like energy-absorbing steering columns and updated seat belts. Mechanically, the lineup offered a range of V8 engines providing powerful yet smooth performance. The Caprice was designed to emphasize luxury, comfort, and spaciousness, appealing to families and professionals alike.
The 1971 Chevrolet Caprice (70) generally experienced a slight decrease in fuel economy relative to its predecessor due to the increased size, weight, and more stringent safety equipment. Equipped predominantly with large V8 engines, fuel consumption typically ranged around 9-13 liters per 100 km (18-23 mpg US), reflective of the era's performance-focused approach over efficiency. While acceleration and power remained strong, the heavier body and emissions regulations began to slightly impact overall performance compared to the late 1960s Caprice.
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