| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1971 |
The 1971 Plymouth Barracuda III represents the facelifted version of the third generation Barracuda, a prominent American muscle car known for its aggressive styling and performance capabilities. Produced during the height of the muscle car era, this coupe version not only retained the Barracuda's sporty appeal but also incorporated subtle exterior design updates in 1971 that refreshed its look. Typically, the Plymouth Barracuda III measures approximately 5,017 mm (197.5 inches) in length, with a width around 1,854 mm (73 inches), and stands about 1,296 mm (51 inches) tall, showcasing its low-slung and aerodynamic coupe profile. Its weight generally ranged between 1,430 to 1,590 kg (3,150 to 3,500 lbs), depending on the engine and options fitted. This Barracuda III facelift maintained the classic muscle car stance, characterized by a wide track and relatively compact dimensions compared to modern cars, lending it an agile yet muscular road presence. Known for its variety of powerful V8 powertrains, this generation balanced size and performance effectively, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a combination of style, speed, and handling. The Barracuda's dimensions place it comfortably in the compact to mid-sized muscle car segment of its time, making it a strong competitor against contemporaries like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. This generation of Barracuda remains a notable icon for collectors and muscle car aficionados, celebrated not only for its dimensions and design but also for its position in Plymouth's rich automotive history.
Discover the standout features that make the 1971 Plymouth Barracuda III a leader in its class
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The 1971 Plymouth Barracuda III facelift coupe has an overall length of approximately 5140 mm (202.4 inches), a width of about 1876 mm (73.9 inches), and a height of roughly 1320 mm (52 inches). These dimensions give the car a classic muscle car profile, combining a relatively long and wide stance with a lower height that enhances its sporty appearance. This size balances road presence with maneuverability, making it competitive within the muscle car segment of the early 1970s.
The 1971 Barracuda III facelift features a wheelbase of 2953 mm (116.25 inches). The wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear axles, and a length of this size offers a good mix of stability and agility. A longer wheelbase like this aids in smooth handling and better ride comfort at higher speeds, typical of muscle cars designed for both performance and cruising comfort.
The curb weight of the 1971 Plymouth Barracuda III facelift coupe ranges widely depending on the engine and options, typically between 1450 kg to 1650 kg (3200 to 3638 lbs). This moderate weight for a muscle car contributes to its balance between power and handling. While heavier than compact vehicles, the Barracuda’s weight supports its robust V8 engine options, impacting acceleration and braking noticeably.
The interior of the 1971 Plymouth Barracuda III facelift offers a driver-focused cockpit typical of muscle coupes of its era. While exact interior dimensions vary by trim, the car provides seating capacity for up to four people, with front bucket seats and a rear bench seat. Headroom and legroom in the front are relatively generous for the time, though rear passenger space is tighter, making the rear seating more practical for short trips or smaller passengers.
Yes, the 1971 Plymouth Barracuda III facelift coupe fits comfortably within the dimensions of a typical home garage. Standard single-car garages in many regions measure about 3000 mm (10 feet) wide and 6000 mm (20 feet) deep, so with the Barracuda’s length of 5140 mm (202.4 inches) and width of 1876 mm (73.9 inches), it allows sufficient clearance in width and length. Height clearance is also adequate considering the car's 1320 mm (52 inches) height.
Compared to its predecessor generation, the 1971 Plymouth Barracuda III facelift is slightly larger in length and width, emphasizing a more aggressive stance and enhanced road presence. The wheelbase remained relatively similar, but the facelift introduced design tweaks that visually broadened the car. This evolution balanced improved space utilization and muscular styling that aimed to appeal to performance enthusiasts wanting a modernized classic muscle car.
The cargo space in the 1971 Plymouth Barracuda III facelift coupe is typical of muscle cars in the early 1970s, featuring a moderately sized trunk compartment designed to accommodate daily needs rather than large luggage loads. Exact trunk volume is approximately 350 to 400 liters (12.3 to 14.1 cubic feet), providing practicality for weekend trips or everyday errands without compromising the coupe’s sporty design.
When compared to contemporaries like the Ford Mustang Mach 1 or Chevrolet Camaro from the same period, the 1971 Plymouth Barracuda III facelift is similar in length and width but often distinguishes itself with varying body styles and personal design flair. While slightly longer than some competitors, the Barracuda maintains competitive width and height metrics, ensuring it offers comparable interior space and road presence characteristic of classic American muscle cars.
The ground clearance of the 1971 Plymouth Barracuda III facelift is roughly 140 mm (5.5 inches). This relatively low ride height supports the coupe’s sporty handling dynamics and lowers aerodynamic drag. However, this might limit usability on rough roads or steep driveway entrances, requiring careful driving in such situations. For everyday road use, the clearance is sufficient, contributing to the car’s overall performance and style.
The 1971 Barracuda III facelift brought significant styling updates including a reshaped front grille, new rear taillights, and refreshed body lines that modernized its aggressive muscle car image. These visual refinements helped the Barracuda stand out in a crowded market and improved aerodynamics slightly. Mechanically, the facelift maintained the essence of the Barracuda but optimized available engine options and suspension tuning for improved performance and drivability.
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