With inflation still galloping, the base price for the 1979 Corvette broke the psychologically important $10,000 barrier for the first time (by $220). Despite this, sales moved up again, reaching 53,807. Here are the specifications for the 1979 Corvette:
The 1979 Corvette’s improved "breathing" took the base V-8 up to 195 bhp, the L82 to 225. Vehicle Specifications
| Coupe |
Wheelbase, inches
| 98.0 |
Length, inches
| 185.2 |
Width, inches
| 69.0 |
Track, inches
| front: 58.7 rear: 59.4
|
Height, inches
| 47.9 |
Curb weight, pounds
| 3,565 |
Mechanical Specifications (2-door coupe)
Suspension
front: Independent; upper and lower A-arms, coil springs, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers, antiroll bar
rear: Independent, lateral leaf springs, struts, U-joint halfshafts, trailing arms, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers
Wheels/Tires
P225/70R-15
Brakes
front: 11.75-inch disc
rear: 11.75-inch disc
Transmission
3-speed Hydra-Matic
4-speed manual
Standard axle ratio
3.55:1 (auto) 3.36:1 (manual)
Engine Specifications
Type | ohv V-8
| ohv V-8
|
Displacement, liters/cubic inch
| 5.7/350 | 5.7/350 |
Bore X stroke, inches | 4.00 X 3.48 | 4.00 X 3.48 |
Fuel management
| 1 X 4-bbl. | 1 X 4-bbl. |
Horsepower @ rpm
| 185 @ 4,000
| 220 @ 5,200
|
Torque @ rpm, pound-foot
| 270 @ 2,400
| 260 @ 3,600
|
Published Performance Numbers
Acceleration | 220 hp, 4-speed manual
|
0-60 mph, second
| 6.6
|
0-100 mph, second
| 18.5
|
1/4-mile, second @ mph
| 15.6 @ 91
|
Vehicle Production and Base Prices
Car Type
| Production | Price |
2-door coupe
| 53,807 | $10,220.23 |
Options and Production
Option | Production | Price |
Power Windows
| 20,631
| $141.00
|
Power Door Locks
| 9,054
| $131.00
|
Removable Glass Roof Panels
| 14,480
| $365.00
|
Rear Window Defogger
| 41,587
| $102.00 |
Air Conditioning
| 47,136
| $635.00
|
Sport Mirrors
| 48,211
| $45.00
|
Spoilers, front and rear
| 6,853
| $265.00
|
Gymkhana Suspension
| 12,321
| $49.00
|
Heavy Duty Shock Absorbers
| 2,164
| $33.00
|
Optional Rear Axle Ratio
| 428
| $19.00
|
Cruise Control
| 34,445
| $113.00
|
225 hp Engine
| 14,516
| $565.00
|
4-Speed Manual Transmission, close ratio
| 4,062
| $0.00
|
Automatic Transmission
| 41,454
| $0.00
|
High Altitude Emission Equipment
| 56
| $35.00
|
Tilt-Telescopic Steering Column
| 47,463
| $190.00
|
Aluminum Wheels
| 33,741
| $380.00
|
White Letter SBR Tires, P255/60R15
| 17,920 | $226.20
|
White Letter SBR Tires, P255/70R15 | 29,603 | $54.00
|
AM/FM Radio, stereo w/8-track tape
| 21,435
| $228.00
|
AM/FM Radio, stereo w/CB
| 4,483 | $439.00
|
AM/FM Radio, stereo w/cassette
| 12,110
| $234.00
|
AM/FM Radio, stereo | 9,256
| $90.00
|
Power Antenna
| 35,730
| $52.00
|
Dual Rear Speakers
| 37,754
| $52.00
|
Heavy Duty Battery
| 3,405
| $21.00
|
California Emission Certification
| 3,798
| $83.00
|
Trailer Package
| 1,001
| $98.00
|
Power Windows and Door Locks
| 28,465
| $272.00
|
Convenience Group
| 41,539
| $94.00
|
Color Choices and Production
Color Choice
| Production
|
Classic White
| 8,629
|
Black
| 10,465
|
Corvette Yellow
| 2,357
|
Corvette Light Beige | 2,951
|
Corvette Dark Blue
| 5,670
|
Silver
| 7,331
|
Corvette Light Blue | 3,203
|
Corvette Dark Green
| 2,426
|
Corvette Red
| 6,707
|
Corvette Dark Brown
| 4,053
|
Learn about other Corvettes in this generation:
Looking for more information on Corvettes and other cars? See:
- Muscle Cars: Get information on more than 100 tough-guy rides.