1969 Porsche 917 Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Porsche 917 has a curb weight of just 896 kg (1,975 lbs), which is remarkably light for a car with such a powerful engine and racing pedigree. This low weight allows for exceptional acceleration, braking, and cornering performance, as less mass needs to be moved and controlled. Additionally, the lightweight construction helps improve fuel efficiency during endurance races. Overall, the combination of a powerful engine and reduced weight was key in making the Porsche 917 one of the fastest and most successful racing prototypes of its era.

With a length of 4290 mm (169 inches or roughly 14 feet), a width of 1880 mm (74 inches or about 6.2 feet), and height of only 920 mm (36 inches or 3 feet), the Porsche 917 is surprisingly compact in height and width compared to many modern vehicles. It would generally fit in a standard home garage in terms of length and width; however, one must consider door clearance due to its low height and wide bodywork. Many standard garages have widths around 2400-2700 mm (94-106 inches), so the 917’s width at 1880 mm (74 inches) poses no problem. Height-wise, standard garage doors are tall enough to accommodate the 917’s low profile.

Compared to its predecessors like the Porsche 908, the 917 featured a larger and wider body, with a length of 4290 mm (169 in) and width of 1880 mm (74 in), providing better aerodynamic stability and higher speeds on the track. The 917 was also significantly more powerful and heavier than the lightweight 908, yet it managed to keep weight under 900 kg (1975 lbs), showcasing Porsche's advancements in engineering. The improved size and design allowed for bigger engines and refined aerodynamics, helping the 917 dominate endurance racing at the time.

The Porsche 917’s rim sizes of 12J x 15 at the front and 9J x 15 at the rear are quite large and wide for the era, designed to optimize tire grip and handling. The wider front rims allow for larger tires, improving front-end grip and stability when cornering at high speeds. The rear rims, slightly narrower, are optimized for tire performance and traction during acceleration. These rim sizes helped maintain stability, balance, and control during endurance races, enhancing both safety and overall vehicle dynamics.

The Porsche 917 stands at just 920 mm (36 inches) tall, which is extremely low for a racing car. This low profile minimizes the frontal area, reducing aerodynamic drag significantly. A smaller drag coefficient helps the car reach higher top speeds on straights and reduces fuel consumption during endurance events. The low height also lowers the car’s center of gravity, improving handling by reducing body roll around corners, making the Porsche 917 not only fast in a straight line but also agile and stable on tight curves.

The exterior dimensions of the Porsche 917 are 4290 mm in length (169 inches), 1880 mm in width (74 inches), and only 920 mm in height (36 inches). These measurements mean the car occupies a compact footprint lengthwise and widthwise but is exceptionally low. While this makes the car easy to store in standard garages with sufficient width and length, careful consideration is required during transport, particularly regarding the low height to avoid damage. The wide and low stance demands specialized transport equipment or protective measures to ensure safe shipping or storage.

In comparison to other endurance race cars from the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Porsche 917 was notably compact and light with a weight of 896 kg (1,975 lbs) and dimensions of 4290 mm x 1880 mm x 920 mm (169 in x 74 in x 36 in). Competitors like the Ford GT40 were bulkier and heavier, often weighing over 1,100 kg (2,425 lbs) with greater length and height. The 917’s combination of small size, low curb weight, and powerful engine gave it a decisive edge in aerodynamic efficiency, braking, and cornering, helping Porsche secure multiple victories and a legendary status in motorsport history.

The Porsche 917 was designed specifically as a race car for endurance racing and was not street legal. Its extremely low height, limited ground clearance, lack of comfort features, and specialized racing suspension make it impractical for everyday use. Additionally, noise levels from the high-performance engines and safety regulations prevent it from being used on public roads. Owning and maintaining a Porsche 917 is typically reserved for collectors and enthusiasts who use it mainly in vintage racing or on private tracks.

The Porsche 917's design, including its 4290 mm length (169 in), 1880 mm width (74 in), and 920 mm height (36 in), was critical in making it one of the most successful race cars in history. Its wide and stable footprint improved high-speed cornering, while the extremely low height reduced drag significantly, allowing breathtaking top speeds, often exceeding 350 km/h (217 mph). The lightweight construction at 896 kg (1,975 lbs) balanced with immense power enabled the 917 to excel in endurance racing like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. These size and design elements combined with engineering advancements led to Porsche's first overall Le Mans victory and cemented the 917’s legendary status.