1997 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe (C5) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Chevrolet Corvette Coupe (C5) has a curb weight ranging from 1415 to 1535 kg (approximately 3122 to 3384 pounds), which reflects the weight of the vehicle without passengers or cargo but including necessary fluids and a full tank of fuel. Its maximum allowable weight, or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), is between 1700 and 1745 kg (around 3748 to 3847 pounds). This weight range balances lightweight construction with durability, ensuring the car's performance capacities are met without compromising safety or structural integrity.

The Chevrolet Corvette C5 offers a luggage capacity ranging from 335 to 375 liters (approximately 11.8 to 13.2 cubic feet) in its standard configuration. When the rear seats are folded down, the available storage space significantly increases to about 705 liters (around 24.9 cubic feet). While the C5 is designed primarily as a sports coupe, the expanded cargo capacity enhances its practicality for everyday use or longer trips, providing ample room for personal belongings or gear.

The Chevrolet Corvette C5 is typically equipped with rims sized at 9.5J x 17 inches for the front and 10J x 18 inches for the rear, providing an aggressive and sporty stance. Tire sizes vary based on specific models and trims, commonly including 245/45 R18, 275/40 R18, 265/40 R17, and 295/35 R18. These tire specifications offer a balance between grip, handling, and ride comfort, tailored to maximize the performance potential of the C5 across different driving conditions.

With a width of approximately 1869 to 1870 mm (73.6 to 73.6 inches), the Chevrolet Corvette C5 stands out as relatively wide among sports cars of the late 1990s and early 2000s. This width enhances road stability and cornering grip, which are crucial for a high-performance vehicle. Compared to competitors like the Porsche 911 (996) or the Acura NSX from the same period, the C5's broader stance offers improved handling dynamics, though individual dimensions can vary slightly depending on each model's tuning and design focus.

Given the Chevrolet Corvette C5's dimensions — length of about 4565 mm (179.7 inches), width roughly 1870 mm (73.6 inches), and height close to 1215 mm (47.8 inches) — it comfortably fits into a standard residential garage, which typically has a door width around 2.4 to 2.7 meters (94 to 108 inches) and length of about 5.5 meters (216 inches). Its low height also ensures clearance isn't an issue. However, owners should consider enough margin for easy ingress and egress, particularly if the garage is used for storage or has other vehicles.

The Chevrolet Corvette C5 introduced several dimensional changes compared to the C4 generation. The C5 is generally slightly longer and wider, measuring about 4564-4565 mm in length and 1869-1870 mm in width, versus the C4's approximate length of 4458 mm (175.5 inches) and width of around 1829 mm (72 inches). This increase in size enhanced interior comfort and stability. Additionally, the C5's lower height (around 1210-1215 mm) improved aerodynamics and aesthetics. These dimensional evolutions were part of a broader redesign aimed at modernizing handling, performance, and driver comfort.

Dimensionally, the Chevrolet Corvette C5 holds its own in the sports car segment of its era. Its length of approximately 4565 mm (179.7 inches) and width near 1870 mm (73.6 inches) position it as slightly larger than many competitors, such as the Porsche 911 (996) which measures about 4429 mm by 1809 mm (174.4 x 71.2 inches), and similar to some high-performance models like the Dodge Viper. The wider stance and lower height (around 1215 mm or 47.8 inches) emphasize stability and a low center of gravity, key traits for enhanced handling in its class.

The Chevrolet Corvette C5's height ranges from 1210 to 1215 mm (47.6 to 47.8 inches), making it a very low-profile sports coupe. This low height is instrumental in reducing the car's center of gravity, which improves handling, cornering stability, and aerodynamic efficiency. Furthermore, the sleek height enhances the vehicle's aggressive styling profile while minimizing air resistance during high-speed driving, contributing significantly to the Corvette's commendable performance and road grip.

The Chevrolet Corvette C5 features a mix of rim sizes, predominantly 9.5J x 17 inches at the front and 10J x 18 inches at the rear, combined with tire sizes such as 245/45 R18, 275/40 R18, 265/40 R17, and 295/35 R18. The staggered tire widths and diameters improve traction and balance, with wider rear tires enhancing rear-wheel drive grip during acceleration. This setup contributes to sharp cornering, improved road holding, and a sporty handling character, all while maintaining ride comfort and durability suitable for both spirited driving and daily use.