What was the top speed of the Corvair?
The Chevrolet Corvair, produced from 1960 to 1969, was a unique and controversial American automobile known for its rear-mounted, air-cooled engine design. One of the key specifications often discussed about the Corvair is its top speed, which varied depending on the model year and engine configuration.
Corvair Top Speed by Model Year
The top speed of the Corvair depended on several factors, including the engine size, transmission, and model year:
- 1960-1964 Corvair models: These early Corvairs were powered by a 145 cubic inch (2.4 liter) flat-six engine that produced between 80 and 95 horsepower. The top speed for these models was around 90-100 mph.
- 1965-1969 Corvair models: Later Corvairs received engine upgrades, with displacement increasing to 164 cubic inches (2.7 liters) and horsepower reaching up to 140 hp. This allowed top speeds of 105-115 mphli>
- Corvair Monza Spyder: The high-performance Monza Spyder model, introduced in 1962, had a turbocharged version of the 2.4 liter engine that produced 150 hp. This enabled a top speed of around 115 mph.
It's important to note that the top speed figures were also influenced by factors like gearing, aerodynamics, and driving conditions. The Corvair's unique rear-engine layout and swing-axle rear suspension also impacted its high-speed handling and stability.
Corvair's Controversial Legacy
The Corvair's top speed and performance capabilities were often overshadowed by the car's controversial safety reputation. The Corvair's rear-engine design and swing-axle suspension were criticized for making the car prone to sudden oversteer and potential rollover accidents, especially at higher speeds. This led to a high-profile investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the 1960s, which ultimately found the Corvair's design to be no more unsafe than contemporary compact cars.
Despite its safety issues, the Corvair remains an iconic and unique chapter in American automotive history, with its top speed capabilities being just one aspect of its complex legacy.
What was the biggest problem with the Corvair?
The Corvair relied on an unusually high front to rear pressure differential (15 psi front, 26 psi rear, when cold; 18 psi and 30psi hot), and if one inflated the tires equally, as was standard practice for all other cars at the time, the result was a dangerous oversteer.
How much did a new Corvair cost in 1965?
Production notes
| Year | Production | Base price |
|---|---|---|
| 1964 | 215,300 | US$2,000–2,811 |
| 1965 | 247,092 | US$2,066–2,665 |
| 1966 | 109,880 | US$2,083–2,682 |
| 1967 | 27,253 | US$2,128–2,540 |
How much horsepower did the 1966 Corvair have?
The Corvair's engine was an overhead-valve aluminum, air-cooled 80 hp (60 kW; 81 PS) 140 cu in (2.3 L) flat-six, later enlarged, first to 145 cubic inches (2.4 L) and then to 164 cubic inches (2.7 L). Power peaked with the 1965–66 turbocharged 180 hp (134 kW; 182 PS) Corsa engine option.
How fast is a 1965 Corvair?
The aluminum, 164-cubic-inch, flat-six-cylinder engine is turbocharged and produces 110 horsepower. “The cylinders are opposed; they go sideways, not up and down” in the air-cooled engine, he explained. He has taken the Corvair up to 75 mph; it was rated at up to 115 miles per hour in 1965.
How many miles per gallon did a Corvair get?
Based on data from 15 vehicles, 625 fuel-ups and 81,194 miles of driving, the 1965 Chevrolet Corvair gets a combined Avg MPG of 18.29 with a 0.31 MPG margin of error.
Why was the Corvair outlawed?
However, its tendency to oversteer and spin out of control caused problems that led to a redesigned suspension in 1964. After Nader's book appeared, Corvair sales dwindled. General Motors withdrew the car from production in 1969.
How many miles per gallon does a 1964 Corvair Monza get?
Based on data from 5 vehicles, 339 fuel-ups and 56,008 miles of driving, the 1964 Chevrolet Corvair gets a combined Avg MPG of 17.81 with a 0.37 MPG margin of error.
What old cars get the best gas mileage?
Under $10,000
| Years | Make & model | Overall MPG |
|---|---|---|
| 2006-07 | Honda Civic EX (manual/automatic) | 31/28 |
| 2009 | Hyundai Accent (manual/automatic) | 30/28 |
| 2008 | Mazda3 2.0L (manual/automatic) | 30/27 |
| 2009-10 | Toyota Yaris 4-door hatchback | 30 |
What was the top speed of the 1966 Corvair Monza?
Specifications
- Transmission: 3/4-speed manual; 2-speed automatic optional.
- Suspension front: upper and lower A-arms, coil springs.
- Suspension rear: fully independent with trailing arms and coil springs.
- Brakes: front/rear drums.
- Wheelbase (in.
- Weight (lbs.
- Top speed (mph): 115 (Corsa)
- 0-60 mph (sec. ): 11 (Corsa)
What is the rarest Corvair made?
The Loadside
The Loadside is the rarest Corvair—just 2,844 were produced in 1961, and a minuscule 369 in 1962. The Rampside was 80 percent of sales, so the Loadside was discontinued after 1962.
