1971 Ford Taunus Turnier (GBNK) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Ford Taunus Turnier (GBNK) varies depending on the specific engine and trim, but typically it falls around 1,100 to 1,300 kg (2,425 to 2,870 lbs). This moderate weight for a station wagon of its size gives the car a balanced handling dynamic, neither too heavy to feel sluggish nor too light to compromise stability. The weight also influences fuel efficiency, with the car offering respectable economy for its class during the early 1970s, benefiting from relatively lightweight construction techniques and compact powertrains.

The Ford Taunus Turnier station wagon is designed to offer generous cargo space, which was one of its strong points. With all seats in place, the cargo capacity typically provides around 500 liters (17.7 cubic feet) of trunk space, suitable for groceries, luggage, or smaller furniture items. When the rear seats are folded down, the capacity significantly increases, providing a nearly flat loading floor and expanding the storage volume to approximately 1,400 liters (49.4 cubic feet). This flexibility makes the Taunus Turnier an excellent choice for families and those needing versatile cargo-hauling capability.

Yes, the Ford Taunus Turnier (GBNK) station wagon fits comfortably within the dimensions of a standard garage. Typical single-car garages have an interior width of about 2,400 to 2,500 mm (94.5 to 98.4 inches), and a length around 4,800 to 5,000 mm (189 to 197 inches), which provides sufficient space for parking the 4,420 mm (174 inches) long and 1,690 mm (66.5 inches) wide Taunus Turnier. Its height of approximately 1,390 mm (54.7 inches) ensures ample vertical clearance, so the vehicle can be stored without issues in most residential garages without worrying about damage or tight clearance.

The Ford Taunus Turnier (GBNK), produced from 1970 to 1976, succeeded the earlier Taunus station wagons of the 1960s which were generally smaller and less refined in terms of both design and interior space. The GBNK generation featured a slightly longer and wider body, improving interior comfort and cargo capacity significantly. Where older models were more compact, the GBNK expanded dimensions to approximately 4,420 mm in length versus around 4,150 mm in preceding versions, providing better stability and passenger room. Functionally, improvements included more modern suspension setups and better safety features, making the GBNK a more versatile and comfortable family wagon.

The Ford Taunus Turnier (GBNK) stood competitively among European mid-size station wagons of the early 1970s, such as the Opel Rekord Caravan and the Volkswagen Variant. Dimensionally, the Taunus was quite similar, with a length of about 4,420 mm, which was comparable to the Opel Rekord Caravan (around 4,440 mm) and slightly shorter than larger Volkswagen models. Width and height also fell within a similar range, providing spacious interiors suited for families. The Taunus offered practical cargo capacity and was regarded as stylish and reliable, giving it notable appeal in its category alongside its peers.

The Ford Taunus Turnier (GBNK) typically came with a fuel tank capacity of around 50 liters (13.2 US gallons). Given the car's moderate weight and engine options that were tuned for efficiency relative to their time, this tank size allowed for a reasonable driving range. Depending on the engine variant and driving conditions, the vehicle could achieve roughly 700 to 800 kilometers (435 to 500 miles) on a full tank, making it suitable for longer family trips without frequent refueling stops while maintaining balance between performance and fuel economy.

The Ford Taunus Turnier (GBNK) features an overall exterior width of approximately 1,690 mm (66.5 inches). The track width, or the distance between the wheels on the same axle, is typically narrower than modern vehicles but adequate for the car’s size and weight class. A wider track and footprint generally aid stability, but the Taunus Turnier's width was a compromise for good maneuverability in urban environments and sufficient on-road stability. This width allowed the vehicle to navigate narrower European streets and tight parking environments effectively, while maintaining confident handling characteristics on highways.

The Ford Taunus Turnier (GBNK) has an overall height of about 1,390 mm (54.7 inches), combined with a ground clearance generally around 150 mm (5.9 inches), which is typical for station wagons of that era. This height ensures adequate headroom for passengers and a low center of gravity, contributing to better road handling and reduced wind resistance. The ground clearance allows the car to comfortably manage most road conditions, including minor potholes and uneven surfaces, while keeping the ride stable and smooth. This balance results in a comfortable driving experience whether in city traffic or on rural roads.

The Ford Taunus Turnier station wagon typically seats five passengers comfortably, with two front seats and a rear bench seat suitable for three adults. Interior space was well-planned for the time, offering decent legroom and headroom, especially compared to older station wagon models. The wide cabin layout enhances shoulder room, while large windows provide excellent visibility and a sense of openness. The rear seats fold down to further expand cargo space, making this vehicle versatile for both passenger transport and hauling larger items.