What is the wheelbase of a 1978 Cadillac?
The wheelbases for 1978 Cadillacs varied by model: the majority of full-size sedans and coupes rode on a long 129-inch wheelbase, while two-door personal-luxury models were built on shorter frames around 114 inches.
In 1978, Cadillac offered a mix of large, space‑soaked family cars and sleeker two‑door coupes. The wheelbase you encountered depended on whether you chose a traditional four‑door sedan or a two‑door luxury model. Below is a concise breakdown by major model line to illustrate those differences.
Wheelbase overview by model line in 1978
Here's a quick reference to the main wheelbase figures you would see on the 1978 Cadillac lineup, by major model line.
- Full-size DeVille, Fleetwood, and Brougham models: 129 inches
- Eldorado (two-door personal-luxury): about 114 inches
- Seville (two-door personal-luxury, first generation): about 114 inches
These figures reflect the general wheelbase framework for Cadillac's 1978 lineup. Individual trims or options could yield small variations, but the differences were typically within a few inches of these standards.
Context and practical implications
Impact on ride, interior space, and handling
Wheelbase length directly influences ride quality and interior room. The 129‑inch wheelbase on the full-size Cadillacs provided generous rear-seat space and smooth highway cruising, at the expense of tighter turning radii. The roughly 114‑inch wheelbase on the Eldorado and Seville offered quicker, more agile handling and a smaller overall footprint, aligning with their two‑door, personal‑luxury positioning.
For buyers in 1978, the choice between a long-wheelbase sedan and a shorter two‑door could hinge on priorities like passenger capacity versus maneuverability and ease of parking in urban areas.
Summary
In summary, the 1978 Cadillac wheelbase varied by model: 129 inches for the big four‑door sedans (DeVille, Fleetwood, Brougham) and about 114 inches for the two‑door Eldorado and Seville. This split reflects Cadillac's emphasis on both spacious grand touring cars and stylish, compact personal‑luxury coupes.
What is the wheelbase of a 1979 Cadillac Coupe DeVille?
The 1979 Coupe deVille rode on a long 121.5” wheelbase, had the luxury length of 221.2” and was 76.4” wide. Cadillac's triple braking system was standard.
What is the wheelbase of a 1978 K10?
12.3in
1978 Chevy K10 Tuck Body 12.3in Wheelbase JCO0465 Car/Truck Bodies Wings & Decals.
What is the wheelbase of a 1978 Cadillac Eldorado?
Riding a 126.3″ wheelbase, overall length was 224 inches. To put that in perspective, a 2025 Escalade is 211.9″ and the stretched Escalade ESV is 227! Curb weight of the '78 Eldorado was 4,906 pounds; base price was $12,401 ($61K in today's money).
How long is a 78 Cadillac DeVille?
The 1978 Cadillac DeVille has a length of 221.2 inches (562056205620 mm). This measurement applies to both the Coupe and Sedan models of that year.
- Length: 221.2221.2221.2 inches (562056205620 mm)
- Wheelbase: 121.5121.5121.5 inches
- Width: 76.476.476.4 inches
