1979 Corvette
The changes for the 1979 Corvette were of an evolutionary nature. The base L48 gained 10 horsepower -- 20 in the California and high-altitude versions -- by adopting the L82's more efficient twin-snorkel air cleaner; the optional engine itself tacked on five horses. Shock rates were standardized instead of varied with transmission. On cars with automatic, final drive ratio was lowered from 3.08:1 to 3.55:1.
The lightweight seats previewed in the '78 Pace Car Replica were now standard, bringing more rearward travel and different inertia seatback locks. But they still didn't include reclining seatbacks, now being found on the cheapest Japanese cars.
All 1979 Corvette models got the high-back seats from the previous year's
Pace Car Replica, and its spoilers were a new option.
While reviewers continued to be of two minds about the Shark, especially when compared to the more-nimble imports of the day, including the Mazda RX-7, Datsun 280ZX, and Porsche 924, they continued to gush over the Corvette's impressive straight-line numbers. Road & Track took an L82 to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds, 127 mph flat out, and covered the standing quarter-mile in 15.3 seconds at 95 mph.
Learn about other Corvettes in this generation:
| 1978 Corvette | 1979 Corvette | 1980 Corvette |
| 1981 Corvette | 1982 Corvette | |
Looking for more information on Corvettes and other cars? See:
- Corvettes: Learn about the history behind each model year and see Corvette photographs.
- Corvette Specifications: Get key specifications, engine and transmission types, prices, and production totals.
- Corvette Museum: The National Corvette Museum draws Corvette lovers from all over the world. Learn more about the museum.
- Corvette Pictures: Find pictures of the hottest classic and current-year Corvettes.
- Muscle Cars: Get information on more than 100 tough-guy rides.
- Consumer Guide Corvette Reviews: Considering a Corvette purchase? See what Consumer Guide has to say.
1979 Corvette Specifications
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:
| 1978 Corvette | 1979 Corvette | 1980 Corvette |
| 1981 Corvette | 1982 Corvette | |
Looking for more information on Corvettes and other cars? See:
- Corvettes: Learn about the history behind each model year and see Corvette photographs.
- Corvette Specifications: Get key specifications, engine and transmission types, prices, and production totals.
- Corvette Museum: The National Corvette Museum draws Corvette lovers from all over the world. Learn more about the museum.
- Corvette Pictures: Find pictures of the hottest classic and current-year Corvettes.
- Muscle Cars: Get information on more than 100 tough-guy rides.
- Consumer Guide Corvette Reviews: Considering a Corvette purchase? See what Consumer Guide has to say.