1971 Renault 17 Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Renault 17 features a wheelbase of about 2,510 mm (98.8 inches). This wheelbase length strikes a balance between agility and ride stability. A moderate wheelbase like this helps the car maintain sharp handling characteristic of a coupe—making it responsive in corners—while providing enough length to enhance passenger comfort by reducing impacts from road irregularities. This dimension contributed to the Renault 17’s reputation as a sporty yet reasonably comfortable coupe during its production years.

The curb weight of the Renault 17 ranges approximately between 980 to 1,050 kg (2,160 to 2,315 lbs) depending on the specific model and equipment. This relatively light weight played an important role in its performance, allowing the modest engine options to deliver lively acceleration and agility. For a coupe designed in the 1970s, the Renault 17’s weight contributed to nimble handling and improved fuel efficiency, making it enjoyable for spirited driving and economical for daily use.

Yes, the Renault 17 comfortably fits into a standard residential garage. With a length of around 4,180 mm (164.6 inches), a width of 1,625 mm (64 inches), and a height of 1,270 mm (50 inches), it is smaller than many modern cars and well within standard garage size limits. Most single-car garages have minimum dimensions close to 6,000 mm (236 inches) in length and 3,000 mm (118 inches) in width, allowing the Renault 17 ample space not only to park but also to open doors and move around it with relative ease.

The Renault 17 offers a reasonable amount of cargo space for a coupe from its era, featuring a rear boot capacity around 300 liters (10.6 cubic feet), which was adequate for everyday luggage and groceries. The two-door coupe layout means rear passenger space is more limited compared to sedans, but the Renault 17 accommodated two adults comfortably in the front and had limited space for occasional rear passengers. Its interior was designed to emphasize driver engagement rather than spaciousness, similar to other sporty coupes of the 1970s that prioritized style and performance over passenger volume.

The Renault 17 is closely related to its predecessor, the Renault 15, sharing a similar platform but with stylistic and dimensional differences. The Renault 17 is slightly longer and wider, giving it a more aggressive and solid stance. While the Renault 15 was available with a coupe and fastback style that leaned toward a more elegant design, the Renault 17 sported a more squared and muscular coupe profile with distinct sporty touches like pop-up headlights in early versions. Dimensionally, both cars are close, but the Renault 17 was targeted more towards sportier performance and image, while the Renault 15 prioritized style and comfort.

When compared with contemporaries like the Ford Capri and Opel Manta, the Renault 17 is quite competitive in size and sporty intent. The Renault 17's length of around 4,180 mm is somewhat shorter than the Ford Capri (typically around 4,370 mm) but close to the Opel Manta (about 4,200 mm). The Renault 17's lightweight design and compact width contributed to agile handling akin to these models, which also emphasized sporty driving dynamics. Although the Capri might have offered a wider engine lineup and more powerful options, the Renault 17 distinguished itself with French styling flair and solid balance in both size and performance within this niche segment.

The key benefit of the Renault 17’s exterior dimensions lies in its relatively compact footprint—its length, width, and low height create a sporty and aerodynamic silhouette that enhances performance and maneuverability. The size makes it easier to drive in tight city environments and park in limited spaces, while the low profile improves stability at higher speeds. However, a drawback of its compact dimensions is limited interior space, particularly for rear passengers and cargo, which is typical for coupes of its class and era. Enthusiasts generally prioritize style and handling over interior roominess in sports coupes like the Renault 17.

The Renault 17 coupe from the 1970s is recognized for its classic angular yet sleek design, featuring a long, gently sloping hood, and a relatively short rear deck, which emphasized its sporty character. Early Renault 17 models famously had pop-up headlights, adding a futuristic touch for the time, while its wide stance and subtle flared wheel arches enhanced the aggressive look. The two-door layout combined with chrome and black trim details alongside large windows added to a balanced aesthetic blend of elegance and sportiness, making it stand out in the competitive coupe market of the decade.

The Renault 17 offered a range of engine options mainly based on inline-four cylinders, with displacements typically between 1.3 to 1.6 liters, and some sportier versions like the Renault 17 Gordini featuring performance-tuned engines delivering up to around 130 horsepower. These engines were paired with 4 or 5-speed manual transmissions, contributing to a driving experience focused on enthusiastic handling rather than outright speed. While not the most powerful in its class, the Renault 17's combination of light weight and precise chassis tuning provided lively and engaging performance characteristics suitable for sporty everyday driving.