1972 Opel Commodore B Coupe Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Opel Commodore B Coupe has a curb weight ranging between 1175 kg and 1240 kg (2591 to 2734 lbs), depending on the specific trim and equipment. Its maximum gross vehicle weight goes up to 1600 to 1675 kg (3527 to 3693 lbs). This weight range reflects its robust build and capacity, balancing performance and comfort for a coupe of its class and era.

The luggage capacity of the Opel Commodore B Coupe ranges from 140 liters (4.9 cubic feet) up to 434 liters (15.3 cubic feet). The lower capacity refers to the space available when the rear seats are up and the higher capacity is achievable by folding down the rear seats, thus enabling more versatile use of the available cargo area, which is quite practical for a coupe of the 1970s.

The ride height or ground clearance of the Opel Commodore B Coupe is 140 mm (5.5 inches). This relatively low ground clearance helps lower the car's center of gravity, improving handling and stability, especially on paved roads. However, it requires careful navigation over speed bumps or rough terrain to avoid underside damage.

With a length of 4607 mm (181.3 inches) and a width of 1728 mm (68.0 inches), the Opel Commodore B Coupe should fit comfortably into a standard single-car garage. Standard garages typically have widths around 2.4 to 2.7 meters (7.9 to 8.9 feet) and lengths of about 5.0 meters (16.4 feet). Given these typical dimensions, parking the Commodore B Coupe poses no major issues, leaving enough space for easy entry and exit.

The height range of 1370 mm to 1380 mm (53.9 to 54.3 inches) in the Opel Commodore B Coupe strikes a balance between a sporty roofline and sufficient interior headroom. This relatively low stance enhances the car's aerodynamic profile and aesthetics, contributing to its sleek coupe appearance. Internally, while the roofline slopes gently, it still provides reasonable headroom for most occupants, especially those seated in front, fitting the coupe’s sporty yet practical design.

Compared to the Opel Commodore A, which was produced from 1967 to 1971, the Commodore B Coupe grew slightly in size and weight. The Commodore A had a length around 4580 mm and a width of about 1700 mm, making the B generation's 4607 mm length and 1728 mm width moderately larger. Additionally, the Commodore B's curb weight increased from approximately 1130-1180 kg to 1175-1240 kg. This progression reflects Opel's shift towards more spacious and robust designs, offering improved comfort and safety alongside slightly enhanced performance capabilities.

The Opel Commodore B Coupe competes well dimensionally and stylistically with other mid-size European coupes of the early to mid-1970s, such as the Ford Capri and BMW E9 series. Its length of 4607 mm (181.3 inches) and width of 1728 mm (68.0 inches) are comparable to the Ford Capri Mk I, which measured roughly 4425 mm by 1676 mm, giving the Commodore a slightly larger footprint. Design-wise, the Commodore offers a blend of traditional European clean lines with muscular, sporty cues, making it an appealing option for those seeking an elegant yet sporty coupe from that period.

The Opel Commodore B Coupe, produced from 1972 to 1978, is notable for its blend of style, performance, and practicality in a mid-size coupe format. It continued Opel’s tradition of reliable engineering with a variety of inline six-cylinder engines offering competitive power outputs for its time. The model was appreciated for its comfortable interior, distinctive design, and improved safety features. It holds a special place in automotive history as a hallmark of 1970s German engineering, combining sophistication with everyday usability in a sporty package.

With a ground clearance of 140 mm (5.5 inches), the Opel Commodore B Coupe is designed mainly for paved roads and moderate road conditions. While this low clearance improves handling and aerodynamic efficiency, it limits the car’s ability to drive comfortably over rough, uneven surfaces or tall speed bumps. Drivers should exercise caution and reduce speed when encountering such obstacles to avoid damage to the underside or bodywork of the vehicle.