2001 Opel Speedster Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Opel Speedster is remarkably lightweight, emphasizing performance and handling. Its curb weight, which is the vehicle's weight without passengers or cargo but with all standard equipment and fluids, ranges from 870 to 930 kg (1918 to 2050 pounds). This low weight enables quick acceleration and agile driving dynamics. The maximum allowable weight, including passengers and cargo, is 1150 kg (2535 pounds), which indicates the vehicle can carry a useful load while maintaining its sporty characteristics. The balance between lightweight construction and structural integrity is a key trait of the Speedster’s engineering.

The Opel Speedster offers a luggage capacity of 206 liters (about 7.3 cubic feet). For a roadster, this is a reasonable amount of space, suitable for a small suitcase, gym bag, or groceries. It's not designed as a utility vehicle, so long trips with large cargo loads may be challenging. However, this volume aligns well with the car's sporty, minimalist ethos, prioritizing driving enjoyment over extensive storage space. For daily use where light traveling and running errands are involved, the luggage capacity is sufficiently practical.

Yes, the Opel Speedster fits comfortably into a standard domestic garage. Thanks to its compact dimensions—length 3786 mm (149.1 inches), width 1710 mm (67.3 inches) excluding mirrors, and low height of 1117 mm (44 inches)—the Speedster occupies less space than many average family cars. Standard garages, typically around 2400 mm (7.87 feet) wide and 4800 mm (15.75 feet) deep, provide ample space for the vehicle along with ease of entry and exit. The relatively narrow width, even considering mirror extension (1884 mm or 74.2 inches), means it is manageable within standard garage door opening widths.

The Opel Speedster (2001-2004) was essentially based on the Lotus Elise Series 1 platform, sharing similar compact dimensions but with distinct styling and engineering tweaks. Compared to earlier sport roadsters in Opel's lineup, the Speedster was significantly smaller and lighter, prioritizing performance. Its length of 3786 mm (149.1 inches) and extremely low height of 1117 mm (44 inches) marked a departure from more conventional Opel models. The weight was also greatly reduced; at around 870-930 kg (1918-2050 pounds), it was slimmer than many predecessors, enhancing agility and responsiveness. This generation epitomized Opel's push into creating a serious lightweight sports car rather than a conventional coupe or convertible.

The Opel Speedster stands out among early 2000s roadsters for its notably light and compact dimensions. Compared to competitors like the Mazda MX-5 or the Toyota MR2, the Speedster is generally smaller in length and height with a more aggressive low stance. Its width of 1710 mm (67.3 inches) is in line with many compact sports cars but the very low height of 1117 mm (44 inches) gives it a distinct aerodynamic advantage and lighter feel. The curb weight is particularly competitive, lighter than many contemporaries, which contributes significantly to dynamic handling. Overall, it fits well within the niche of minimalist, lightweight roadsters, differentiating itself by sheer physical compactness and weight.

The Opel Speedster is equipped with 17-inch rims sized at 7.5J x 17. It uses tires sized 175/55 R17 on the front and 225/45 R17 on the rear. This staggered fitment—narrower front tires and wider rear tires—contributes to balanced and responsive handling, improving grip during cornering and acceleration. The relatively low profile tires enhance road feedback while maintaining a sporty ride. The combination is optimized to complement the low curb weight and responsive chassis, emphasizing agility and cornering precision, which is crucial for the Speedster’s identity as a driver-focused sports car.

While the Opel Speedster offers a thrilling driving experience due to its light weight and compact dimensions, it is less practical as a daily driver compared to conventional cars. The small luggage capacity of 206 liters (7.3 cubic feet) limits cargo options, and the low seating height with limited interior space can be less comfortable for long commutes or trips involving passengers. Nonetheless, its compact size makes parking and maneuvering in tight urban environments easier. Buyers seeking a pure sports car with adequate but minimal practicality may find the Speedster suitable as a secondary or weekend car rather than a full-time daily vehicle.

Several dimensional factors contribute to the Opel Speedster’s sporty and lightweight character. Its very low height of 1117 mm (44 inches) lowers the center of gravity significantly, enhancing cornering stability and agility. The compact length of 3786 mm (149.1 inches) and narrow width of 1710 mm (67.3 inches) reduce overall mass and aerodynamic drag. Coupled with a curb weight between 870 and 930 kg (1918 to 2050 pounds), the car offers an excellent power-to-weight ratio. The optimized tire and rim sizes provide precise handling. Together, these dimensions underscore the Speedster’s engineering focus on delivering a pure, responsive driving experience typical of lightweight roadsters.

The Opel Speedster has a very low overall height of 1117 mm (44 inches), which significantly enhances aerodynamic efficiency and lowers the car’s center of gravity. This contributes to excellent stability at high speeds and improved cornering performance by minimizing body roll. While ground clearance is not specifically listed, roadsters like the Speedster typically have a low ride height to support sporty handling, often leading to a modest ground clearance. The low height and aerodynamic design effectively reduce lift, contributing to more confident driving, especially on winding roads. However, it does mean the car may be less suitable for rough roads or steep driveways compared to taller vehicles.