1978 Ford Capri III (GECP) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Ford Capri III (GECP) has a curb weight of 1110 kg (2447 lbs), which is the weight of the vehicle with standard equipment, fluids, and a full tank of fuel but without passengers or cargo. The maximum weight capacity of the vehicle, also known as the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), is 1460 kg (3219 lbs). This indicates the total allowable weight including passengers, cargo, and any additional load. This weight balance provides a good mix of sporting agility and everyday usability, ensuring the car maintains its structural integrity and performance safety under various loading conditions.

The Ford Capri III boasts a generous luggage capacity of 640 liters (approximately 22.6 cubic feet), which is quite spacious for a coupe from the late 1970s and 1980s. This volume is ample enough to accommodate luggage for multiple passengers or bulky items, making it a practical choice for longer trips despite its sporty design. Many coupes from this era typically offered less trunk space, so the Capri III stands out by balancing sporty aesthetics with everyday utility, appealing to buyers looking for both style and practicality.

Yes, the Ford Capri III (GECP) generally fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Standard garages commonly measure around 2400 mm to 2700 mm (94.5 to 106 inches) in width and about 4800 mm (189 inches) in length. With the Capri III's width of 1700 mm (66.9 inches) and length of 4440 mm (174.8 inches), there is sufficient clearance for easy parking. Its height of 1350 mm (53.1 inches) also poses no problem for standard garage door height. Thus, owners can expect a hassle-free parking experience at home without spatial constraints.

The Ford Capri III features a roof load capacity of 75 kg (165 lbs). This means it can safely support up to 75 kg of weight on its roof rack or roof-mounted cargo carriers. This capacity is practical for carrying additional luggage, sporting equipment like skis or bicycles, or roof boxes, enhancing its versatility. However, owners should be mindful of this limit to avoid compromising vehicle stability or roof integrity. This roof load is fairly standard for coupes of its era, allowing drivers to extend cargo capacity without significant impact on driving dynamics.

The Ford Capri III is equipped with rims sized 5J x 13 and 5.5J x 13, paired with tires sized 185/70 R13. These relatively compact but wide tires help to provide a stable grip on the road, contributing to the sporty and responsive handling typical of this classic coupe. The tire profile (70) balances comfort with road contact, allowing the Capri III to perform confidently in various driving conditions. The wheel and tire combination offers a good compromise between ride quality and performance, supporting both everyday use and spirited driving.

Compared to the Capri II generation, the Ford Capri III (GECP) generally saw modest changes in dimensions aimed at refinement rather than radical redesign. The Capri III maintains a length around 4440 mm (174.8 inches), similar or slightly larger than its predecessor, while the width of 1700 mm (66.9 inches) and height of 1350 mm (53.1 inches) reflect subtle updates to improve aerodynamics and interior space. These dimensional tweaks helped improve comfort and practicality while retaining the stylish coupe silhouette that defined the Capri line. Overall, the Capri III offers a more modern and mature body design with marginally enhanced spatial efficiency.

When compared to other sports coupes from the late 70s and 80s, like the Opel Manta or Toyota Celica, the Ford Capri III stands out with its balanced mix of manageable size and lightweight construction. At 4440 mm (174.8 inches) in length and 1110 kg (2447 lbs) curb weight, it is slightly longer than many competitors yet remains relatively light. This makes the Capri III agile and responsive while offering more cabin and luggage space. Its width of 1700 mm (66.9 inches) is on par with many rivals, providing good road presence without sacrificing narrow street maneuverability. Overall, the Capri III successfully bridges sporty performance and everyday usability within its class.

The Ford Capri III combines a compact footprint with thoughtful design to build a practical sports coupe. Its length of 4440 mm (174.8 inches) provides enough interior space and luggage capacity (640 liters) without increasing bulk. The moderate width of 1700 mm (66.9 inches) ensures stability and ease of driving in traffic or parking. The low height of 1350 mm (53.1 inches) enhances aerodynamics and sporty looks while maintaining sufficient headroom. The vehicle’s curb weight of 1110 kg (2447 lbs) balances structural rigidity with performance agility. These dimensions reflect a well-rounded car engineered for driving enjoyment without compromising functionality.

Beyond its dimensions, the Ford Capri III (GECP) is known for its classic coupe styling, blending sharp lines with a sporty stance that appealed widely in the late 1970s and 1980s. It offered various engine options, combining respectable power with good driving dynamics. Its chassis and suspension were designed to balance comfort and handling, making it suitable as a daily driver and spirited weekend car. The Capri III also featured improved interior amenities and safety features over its predecessors, contributing to its reputation as an accessible, stylish sports car that combined fun driving with practicality.