Which has more legroom?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Shamong, NJ
Since the floor pan, and the basic overall design of all 68-82's is basically the same, there really isn't much difference. The 78-82's have a shorter steering column, which does make the car more comfortable. 81-82's with the optional power driver seat, have the most adjustment, which probably gives them the best ability to accommodate a tall driver.
Since the 78-82 glass tops don't have headliners in them, they also offer the most head room. Add them to a 81-82 power seat car, and you probably have the roomiest possible car of all of the 68-82 Corvettes.
Since the 78-82 glass tops don't have headliners in them, they also offer the most head room. Add them to a 81-82 power seat car, and you probably have the roomiest possible car of all of the 68-82 Corvettes.
Last edited by gbvette62; Aug 20, 2011 at 12:24 AM.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 406
Likes: 1
From: Maroochydore QLD
Ummmm, they are all sardine cans, if you dont fit then cadillac make a nice car with roomier cabin. So does ford f series, if you like the coke bottle waste line of our cars then cram up and shut up. LOL.
I have a friend who is 6'7" and only fits in my car with the roof off. Good thing he doesnt ride with me often.
Dont buy a C3 unless you enjoy confined spaces. Although I will say that the 78 on with its big back window feels more spacious even though it isnt as far as sitting is concerned.
Cheers, Dennis.
I have a friend who is 6'7" and only fits in my car with the roof off. Good thing he doesnt ride with me often.
Dont buy a C3 unless you enjoy confined spaces. Although I will say that the 78 on with its big back window feels more spacious even though it isnt as far as sitting is concerned.
Cheers, Dennis.
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 431
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From: Willoughby Hills OH
I'm 6 foot 200 pounds and fit perfectly fine in my 78. I usually keep my seat all the way back so my legs are fully expanded. But I'm still new to learning manual cars. Loved learning stick in my vette tho
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
77 is the first year of the shorter steering column which I like. Just over 6' & perfect fit w/ seat all back.
There does not seem to be more leg room in other years as one would expect.
There does not seem to be more leg room in other years as one would expect.
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St. Jude Donor '07 thru '11
When I was 23 and skinny I had a '74 big block coupe that had a 4 speed. I remember fitting in that car just fine. Last week I took an '81 4 speed for a test drive. I would have bought the car but I didn't fit. My right foot was getting caught on the brake pedal when i was trying to use the gas pedal. I couldn't take my foot off the clutch pedal at all while driving, as my knee was bumping into the turn signal stalk. (I didn't want to buy a car with a broken signal stalk...)
Looks like I'll have to find an automatic car.
Looks like I'll have to find an automatic car.
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Farragut,TN
When I was 23 and skinny I had a '74 big block coupe that had a 4 speed. I remember fitting in that car just fine. Last week I took an '81 4 speed for a test drive. I would have bought the car but I didn't fit. My right foot was getting caught on the brake pedal when i was trying to use the gas pedal. I couldn't take my foot off the clutch pedal at all while driving, as my knee was bumping into the turn signal stalk. (I didn't want to buy a car with a broken signal stalk...)
Looks like I'll have to find an automatic car.
Looks like I'll have to find an automatic car.
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Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '07 thru '11
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,223
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From: Regina Saskatchewan
Since the floor pan, and the basic overall design of all 68-82's is basically the same, there really isn't much difference. The 78-82's have a shorter steering column, which does make the car more comfortable. 81-82's with the optional power driver seat, have the most adjustment, which probably gives them the best ability to accommodate a tall driver.
Since the 78-82 glass tops don't have headliners in them, they also offer the most head room. Add them to a 81-82 power seat car, and you probably have the roomiest possible car of all of the 68-82 Corvettes.
Since the 78-82 glass tops don't have headliners in them, they also offer the most head room. Add them to a 81-82 power seat car, and you probably have the roomiest possible car of all of the 68-82 Corvettes.
I've always thought that the power seat would take up MORE room , not less. They have to put the motor under the seat. I've never sat in one though. Anybody know for sure?
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Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Shamong, NJ
This drivers side dropped floor are what makes it hard to put true duals under an 81-82.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Shamong, NJ
According to the 1968 Corvette Specifications sheet, the 1968 Corvette has the following dimensions:
Max. effective leg room to the accelerator - 43"
Effective head room (coupe) - 36.2"
According to the Specifications given in the 1981 Chevrolet dealer album, the standard interior dimensions (this would be for a car with painted tops and manual seat) are as follows:
Maximum leg room - 42.1"
Head Room - 36.2"
The slightly reduced leg room is probably a result of the thicker back rest of the 79-82 style seats. Unlike 80 and earlier seats, that only adjust for and aft, the 81-82 power seat also moves up and down and tilts forward and backward. This additional adjustment, should provide more flexibility in accommodating drivers of different sizes. 78-82 glass tops add slightly more than an 1" of additional headroom, when compared to painted tops. 79-82 sales brochures, all list the same dimensions as the 81 Dealer Album.
I am 6' tall, and my power seat and glass top 81, is seems far more comfortable, than other 68-80 Corvettes I've driven.
Max. effective leg room to the accelerator - 43"
Effective head room (coupe) - 36.2"
According to the Specifications given in the 1981 Chevrolet dealer album, the standard interior dimensions (this would be for a car with painted tops and manual seat) are as follows:
Maximum leg room - 42.1"
Head Room - 36.2"
The slightly reduced leg room is probably a result of the thicker back rest of the 79-82 style seats. Unlike 80 and earlier seats, that only adjust for and aft, the 81-82 power seat also moves up and down and tilts forward and backward. This additional adjustment, should provide more flexibility in accommodating drivers of different sizes. 78-82 glass tops add slightly more than an 1" of additional headroom, when compared to painted tops. 79-82 sales brochures, all list the same dimensions as the 81 Dealer Album.
I am 6' tall, and my power seat and glass top 81, is seems far more comfortable, than other 68-80 Corvettes I've driven.
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with the power seat all the way back. It seemed that I had plenty of room in this car. With the '81 4 speed I took for a drive last week, the power seat was broken, and may not have been all the way back.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Evansville WI
I've got a '73, and I just finished working on a '79 today at work. My '73 feels roomier. I've been trying to narrow down why and I think the difference is in the seats. The late seats are much more sculpted so they feel smaller than the slab seats in my '73.
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St. Jude Donor '07 thru '11
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St. Jude Donor '07 thru '11
