1971 Ford Mustang Convertible I (facelift 1970) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the 1971 Ford Mustang Convertible I facelift is approximately 1456 kilograms (about 3211 pounds). This weight reflects the solid build quality and the materials used during the early '70s, including heavy steel construction. While heavier than modern cars, this weight provides a sturdy and stable ride, contributing to improved handling at speed but potentially affecting fuel efficiency and acceleration compared to lighter contemporary vehicles.

With the rear seats folded down, the 1971 Ford Mustang Convertible I facelift offers a luggage capacity of 229 liters (approximately 8.1 cubic feet). This space is moderately sized for a convertible muscle car of its era and allows owners to store small to medium amounts of cargo, such as weekend gear or shopping bags. However, due to its design focus on style and performance, it is less practical for larger items compared to modern vehicles.

The 1971 Ford Mustang Convertible I facelift came with several rim and tire size options. Rim sizes include 6J x 14 inches and 6.5J x 15 inches, reflecting the era's wheel designs. Tire sizes compatible with this Mustang generation include 185/75 R14, 205/70 R14, and 205/65 R15. These options provided flexibility in terms of ride comfort and handling characteristics, with wider tires offering better grip and narrower tires improving fuel economy.

A standard garage typically measures about 2438 mm (8 feet) in width and 4877 mm (16 feet) in length. The 1971 Ford Mustang Convertible I facelift, with its length of 4813 mm (189.4 inches or roughly 15.8 feet) and width of 1882 mm (74.1 inches or approximately 6.2 feet), fits comfortably into a standard garage with some space remains around the sides and front for opening doors and maneuvering. Owners should consider garage width carefully if additional storage or side clearance is needed.

When compared to the original Mustang Convertible from the mid to late 1960s, the 1971 Mustang Convertible I facelift is generally larger. The 1971 version extends to 4813 mm in length versus the earlier model’s approximately 4572 mm (180 inches), making it longer by roughly 24 cm (9.4 inches). It’s also wider at 1882 mm compared to earlier variants around 1780 mm (70 inches). This increase in dimensions reflects the shift towards more spacious interiors and aggressive styling cues during the early '70s redesign while retaining convertible charm.

The 1971 Ford Mustang Convertible I facelift measures 4813 mm in length and 1882 mm in width, placing it squarely within the typical size range for muscle car convertibles of the early 1970s. For example, its competitors like the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible and Pontiac Firebird Convertible shared similar lengths and widths, generally ranging between 4600 mm to 4900 mm in length. This made the Mustang's dimensions competitive, offering a balance of presence on the road, interior space, and driving dynamics typical for performance-oriented convertibles of that time.

While specific interior width figures are not standardized for the 1971 Mustang Convertible I facelift, the overall exterior width of 1882 mm (74.1 inches) allows for a comfortably wide cabin relative to other convertibles of its era. The front seats provide ample shoulder and hip room, accommodating two adults with rear seats suitable for smaller passengers or additional cargo when folded down. The convertible design adds to the spacious feeling inside, with the openness enhancing the perception of space on top of the physical measurements.

The rim sizes of 14-inch and 15-inch available for the 1971 Mustang Convertible I facelift directly influence its ride and handling characteristics. Smaller 14-inch wheels paired with tires like the 185/75 R14 typically offered a smoother ride with more cushioning from tire sidewalls, which were taller, absorbing bumps on rough roads. Larger 15-inch rims with 205/65 R15 tires provide better cornering grip and sharper handling due to lower profile tires but may result in a firmer ride. Owners could choose between comfort and performance depending on tire and rim selection.

The height of the 1971 Ford Mustang Convertible I facelift varies between 1283 mm and 1290 mm (50.5 to 50.8 inches). This slight range in height can stem from different factors such as suspension modifications, optional equipment, and differences in tire sizes. Additionally, manufacturing tolerances and the convertible top mechanism itself could affect overall height dimensions slightly. Despite this variation, the Mustang maintains a low-profile stance typical of muscle cars designed for sleek appearances and aerodynamic efficiency.