1981 De Lorean Dmc-12 Dimensions, Size & Specs

The De Lorean DMC-12 has a curb weight of 1233 kg (2,718 lbs) and a maximum gross weight of 1471 kg (3,243 lbs). The relatively light curb weight contributes to nimble handling and decent fuel efficiency for its era. The weight also influences acceleration and braking performance, complementing its mid-engine layout to optimize balance and driving dynamics.

The De Lorean DMC-12 offers a luggage capacity of 396 liters (about 14 cubic feet). Given its sports coupe configuration, this capacity is quite reasonable and allows for luggage storage suitable for weekend trips or daily errands. Although it isn't as spacious as typical sedans or SUVs, the storage space is efficiently designed around the car's unique structure and gull-wing doors.

Yes, the De Lorean DMC-12’s dimensions enable it to fit comfortably in a standard garage. Standard garages typically measure around 2400 mm (8 feet) wide and 4800 mm (16 feet) deep. With its width of 1989 mm (78.3 inches) and length of 4267 mm (168 inches), the DMC-12 fits adequately, although care must be taken when opening the gull-wing doors due to height clearance requirements.

The De Lorean DMC-12 came equipped with tire sizes of 195/60 R14 for the smaller end and 235/60 R15 for the larger, accompanied by rims sized from 14 to 15 inches. These tire dimensions provide a balanced blend of grip, handling precision, and ride comfort, contributing to stable cornering and good road feedback typical of performance-oriented vehicles of the early 1980s.

The De Lorean DMC-12 stands at a notably low height of 1140 mm (44.9 inches), which is lower than many contemporaneous sports coupes. This low profile enhances its aerodynamic properties and gives it a sleek, futuristic look with a lower center of gravity that benefits handling. Compared to rivals, its height helped distinguish it visually and functionally.

The De Lorean DMC-12 was a unique first and only production model by the De Lorean Motor Company, so it technically had no predecessor within the same lineage. However, compared to other sports coupes of the era, it combined futuristic styling with stainless steel body panels, gull-wing doors, and distinctive dimensions that set it apart from traditional models. Its unique blend of size and avant-garde design made it stand out within the early 1980s sports car market.

Compared to similar sports coupes of the early 1980s, such as the Porsche 911 or Chevrolet Corvette, the De Lorean DMC-12 had a comparable length and width but was notably lower in height. Its stainless steel body and gull-wing doors were highly distinctive features that set it apart aesthetically. From a size perspective, the DMC-12 offered a low and wide stance typical of performance cars, though it was not the most powerful, focusing more on design innovation than outright performance.

The dimensions of the De Lorean DMC-12 directly influenced its driving dynamics. Its low height of 1140 mm (44.9 in) and wide width of 1989 mm (78.3 in) contributed to a low center of gravity and excellent road grip, helping stability at higher speeds and during cornering. The moderate length of 4267 mm (168 in) combined with a balanced weight distribution due to its rear mid-engine layout made the car agile and handling-focused despite its modest power output.

With a luggage capacity of 396 liters (14 cubic feet), the De Lorean DMC-12 offers a practical storage volume similar to or better than many sports coupes from the early 1980s. While not designed as a pure sports car with minimal cargo space, its rear trunk and front luggage compartments allow for reasonable storage, making it somewhat more versatile for day-to-day use and longer trips when compared to competitors who often sacrificed storage for performance.