1997 Volvo C70 Coupe Dimensions, Size & Specs

Production
Model Year:1997
Production Years:1996 - 2002 discontinued in 2002
1414 mm55.7 in4.6 ft
4720 mm185.8 in15.5 ft
1414 mm55.7 in4.6 ft
1820 mm71.7 in6.0 ft
Length
4720 mm185.8 in15.5 ft
Width
1820 mm71.7 in6.0 ft
Height
1414 mm55.7 in4.6 ft
Trunk Capacity
370 - 427 liter13.1 - 15.1 cu ft
Technical Details

Exterior Dimensions

Precise measurements of the 1997 Volvo C70 Coupe, engineered for optimal performance and comfort

Dimensions
Length:4720 mm185.8 in15.5 ft
Width:1820 mm71.7 in6.0 ft
Height:1414 mm55.7 in4.6 ft
Ground Clearance:121 mm4.8 in0.4 ft
Trunk Capacity:370 - 427 liter13.1 - 15.1 cu ft
Trunk Capacity (Max):1200 liter42.4 cu ft
Weight Specifications
Curb Weight:1440 - 1500 kg3175 - 3307 lbs
Maximal permitted Weight:1900 - 1950 kg4189 - 4299 lbs
Roof Load:100 kg220 lbs
Tire Specifications
Rims Sizes:17, 16
Tire Sizes:225/50 R17 (W:225 | H:50 | D:17)
225/45 R17 (W:225 | H:45 | D:17)
225/50 R16 (W:225 | H:50 | D:16)
205/55 R16 (W:205 | H:55 | D:16)
225/45R 17 (W:225 | H:45 | D:17)
Useful Information

About 1997 Volvo C70 Coupe

The Volvo C70 Coupe from the first generation (model years 1997 to 2002) is a classic midsize coupe that combines elegant Scandinavian design with practical dimensions and robust build quality. Produced between 1996 and 2002, this model features a length ranging from 4716 to 4720 mm (185.7 to 185.9 inches), a width between 1817 and 1820 mm (71.5 to 71.7 inches), and a height of approximately 1410 to 1414 mm (55.5 to 55.7 inches). These measurements make the C70 Coupe a sleek yet comfortable two-door vehicle well-suited for dynamic driving experiences and everyday usability.

The vehicle’s curb weight lies between 1440 and 1500 kg (3175 to 3307 lbs), supporting a maximum permissible weight of 1900 to 1950 kg (4189 to 4299 lbs). This weight balance ensures a stable and secure ride. The Volvo C70 Coupe offers versatile storage options, featuring a luggage capacity of 370 to 427 liters (13.1 to 15.1 cubic feet) when the rear seats are upright, expanding significantly to 1200 liters (42.4 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded down—illustrating its practicality despite its coupe styling.

With a roof load capacity of 100 kg (220 lbs), the C70 Coupe accommodates extra cargo needs such as roof boxes or sporting equipment. The ride height offers a ground clearance of 121 mm (4.8 inches), providing reasonable clearance for urban and suburban environments. Wheel options include 16- and 17-inch rims with tire sizes ranging from 205/55 R16 to 225/50 R17, allowing drivers to customize the balance between comfort and sporty handling.

Overall, the Volvo C70 Coupe (1997-2002) remains a distinguished choice for those seeking a refined coupe with considerable practicality and classic Volvo reliability. Its dimensions and cargo capacity make it ideal for drivers looking for style without compromising everyday functionality.

Exceptional Features

1997 Volvo C70 Coupe Highlights

Discover the standout features that make the 1997 Volvo C70 Coupe a leader in its class

Engine and Performance

The 1997 Volvo C70 Coupe is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-5 engine producing around 190 horsepower, offering a balance of power and smooth acceleration.

Transmission

It comes with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, with an optional 4-speed automatic transmission available, providing versatility in driving preferences.

Safety Features

True to Volvo’s reputation, the C70 Coupe includes standard safety features such as dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and Volvo’s rigid body structure for enhanced crash protection.

Exterior Design

The 1997 C70 features a sleek, aerodynamic coupe body style with a distinct front grille and smooth lines, blending sporty aesthetics with classic Volvo design cues.

Interior Comfort and Amenities

The interior offers leather seats, power windows and mirrors, climate control, and an audio system, providing a comfortable and refined driving experience.
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Have a question? Please check our knowledgebase first.

The 1997 Volvo C70 Coupe measures between 4716 mm and 4720 mm (approx. 185.6 to 185.8 inches) in length, making it a relatively elongated coupe with a refined stance. The width ranges from 1817 mm to 1820 mm (around 71.5 to 71.7 inches), offering a comfortable cabin space while maintaining a cozy footprint typical for sports-oriented coupes. The height is between 1410 mm and 1414 mm (about 55.5 to 55.7 inches), contributing to its sleek and aerodynamic profile. Overall, these dimensions place the C70 coupe firmly in the mid-sized coupe category, optimized for both style and functionality.

The curb weight of the Volvo C70 Coupe ranges from approximately 1440 kg to 1500 kg (about 3175 to 3307 lbs), while the maximum allowable weight is between 1900 kg and 1950 kg (approximately 4189 to 4299 lbs). This moderate weight balance aids in delivering a responsive driving experience without compromising stability and safety. The relatively low curb weight helps the car maintain agility and responsive handling, while the maximum weight reflects the vehicle's load-carrying capacity including passengers and cargo, ensuring the chassis and suspension are designed to handle this safely and effectively.

The Volvo C70 Coupe offers a luggage capacity between 370 liters and 427 liters (roughly 13.1 to 15.1 cubic feet) in its standard configuration, which is fairly generous for a coupe. This makes the car practical for everyday use and short trips, offering sufficient space for suitcases or groceries. When the rear seats are folded down, the luggage capacity expands significantly to around 1200 liters (about 42.4 cubic feet), which provides ample storage for larger items or bulkier cargo. This versatility in cargo space enhances the vehicle's practicality, making it useful not just for sporty driving but also for weekend getaways or carrying larger loads.

Yes, the 1997 Volvo C70 Coupe will comfortably fit in a standard residential garage. The vehicle's dimensions, with a length of about 4716-4720 mm (185.6-185.8 inches), width of around 1817-1820 mm (71.5-71.7 inches), and height about 1410-1414 mm (55.5-55.7 inches), align well with typical residential garage sizes in many regions. Most standard garages are approximately 2.4 to 3 meters (94 to 118 inches) wide and around 5.4 to 6 meters (213 to 236 inches) deep, so the Volvo C70 Coupe's dimensions fall well within these limits, allowing enough clearance for easy parking and access.

The Volvo C70 Coupe has a ride height or ground clearance of 121 mm (approximately 4.8 inches), which is typical for a coupe designed primarily for road use rather than off-road conditions. This relatively low ground clearance contributes to better aerodynamics, improved stability, and sportier handling by lowering the center of gravity. However, it means the car is better suited for paved roads and urban environments; drivers should be cautious on uneven terrain or speed bumps to avoid scraping the underside. The ground clearance strikes a balance between sporty driving dynamics and everyday usability.

During its 1996 to 2002 production, the Volvo C70 Coupe came with several tire and rim size options to suit varying driving preferences and conditions. Rim sizes included 16-inch and 17-inch variants. Tire sizes offered included 225/50 R17, 225/45 R17, 225/50 R16, 205/55 R16, and 225/45 R17. The 225 mm width tires provide a good balance of grip and comfort, with the different aspect ratios (such as 45 and 50) catering to slightly different ride characteristics. These combinations allowed owners to prioritize sportiness, comfort, or even mild performance tuning based on their needs.

The 1997 Volvo C70 Coupe represented a notable evolution over its predecessor Volvo coupe models, such as the 480 model. The C70 improved in length, width, and overall presence, measuring roughly 4716-4720 mm in length compared to smaller previous models. This increase allowed for enhanced interior space and comfort, a more substantial road presence, and more sophisticated styling. While older models were more compact and had a sportier yet smaller footprint, the C70 balanced sportiness with increased passenger comfort and modern safety features, aligning better with the luxury sports coupe segment of its era.

In comparison with similar 2-door coupes from other brands in the late 1990s, such as the BMW 3 Series Coupe (E36), Audi A4 Coupe, and the Mercedes-Benz CLK, the Volvo C70 Coupe was competitive in size and practicality. With a length of about 4.7 meters (185.6-185.8 inches) and width roughly 1.82 meters (71.5-71.7 inches), it was slightly larger or on par with many contemporaries. However, the C70 often provided greater luggage space and a somewhat more spacious interior due to smart Volvo design focused on comfort and safety. Overall, it offered a unique blend of Scandinavian design, safety, and practicality within the premium coupe segment.

The Volvo C70 Coupe supports a maximum roof load of 100 kg (approximately 220 lbs). This allows owners to mount roof racks or carriers to transport items such as bicycles, skis, or luggage boxes without exceeding the structural limits of the car’s roof. It's important to consider this limit when planning to load the roof to ensure vehicle safety and preserve structural integrity. The 100 kg capacity is fairly decent for a coupe and adds to the versatility of the vehicle for recreational activities, although it remains essential to distribute the load evenly and securely.

The Volvo C70 Coupe is designed to combine the stylish and sporty attributes of a coupe with practical considerations typical of the Volvo brand. Its generous luggage capacity of up to 427 liters with seats up and 1200 liters when folded provides flexibility rarely seen in coupes. The car’s moderate size, comfortable width, and manageable height contribute to daily usability whether navigating urban environments or commuting. While riding low to the ground for sportier handling, the C70 maintains user-friendly features such as decent roof load capacity and cargo flexibility. Hence, it strikes an effective compromise between the fun, sleek form of a coupe and the sensible needs of an everyday car.

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