Can a Tall Person Drive a Corvette?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Corvette is built for speed. Chevrolet engineers have designed it to meet certain aerodynamic specifications. Usually, that means tightening up and limiting space. So, when it’s all said and done, can this sports car accommodate a tall person?

2021 Chevy Corvette interior dimensions

Sports cars are usually two-seaters that people might find a bit cramped. Though that’s the case for many high-performance vehicles, the Corvette is a bit different. It measures 15.2 feet long. Its wheelbase, which Chevrolet improved for handling, is 8.9 feet long. A longer wheelbase helps provide a bit more space in the cabin.

This year’s Corvette Stingray comes in three trims — the 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT. There’s also an option between a coupe and a convertible body style. When it comes to passenger space, all three trims have the same measurements, and they’re also the same for both the coupe and convertible styles. As for headroom and legroom, this year’s model offers 37.9 inches for your head, while there are 42.8 inches for you to stretch out your feet, Autobytel reports. 

When it comes to shoulder and hip room, the Corvette is nothing to sneeze at. It offers 54.4 inches of shoulder room and 52 inches for hips. There’s not much in the way of cargo space — just 13 cubic feet. But the thrill is in the ride, not so much in hauling a bunch of stuff. 

How tall can you be to drive a Corvette comfortably?

RELATED: The 2021 Chevy Corvette Is a Better Buy Than the Jaguar F-Type

To answer that question, a YouTuber planted himself in a Corvette to find out, Motor1 reports. Matt from the LethalGarage YouTube channel stands 6 feet 5 inches tall. Though most automakers build cars to accommodate the average man’s height — 5 feet 9 inches tall — there’s still some room to play with for those who are either taller or shorter. 

The Corvette sits low for a tall person, but after a few tweaks to the seat and the steering wheel, Matt thought it wasn’t too bad for someone of his height. The dealership that was showing off the Corvette installed a roof panel for him. Surprisingly, he had enough room with just a few inches to spare for his head. He could wear a helmet and still fit inside this sports car. 

So most people who stand less than 6 feet 5 inches tall can comfortably drive a new Corvette with some seat and steering wheel tweaks. The tallest person could probably be about 6 feet 7 inches tall. Anyone taller than that could run into some issues. The Corvette Matt tested was a 2020 model, but the specs are the same for the 2021 version. 

Other features the 2021 Chevy Corvette offers

RELATED: 2021 Chevy Corvette: Is the 3LT Worth $5,000 Over the 2LT?

One of the best features of the latest Chevy Corvette generation is its mid-engine design. Behind the passenger seat sits a 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 490 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. It can roar from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. As for fuel economy, the 2021 Corvette gets 15 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. 

Even the base-model 1LT’s interior includes plenty of bells and whistles. Expect an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth integration. The 2LT adds a wireless charging pad, head-up display, 14-speaker sound system, and heated steering wheel. The top-trim Stingray, the 3LT, offers a larger touchscreen and Nappa leather seats. 

Prices aren’t too bad for a high-performance car like the Corvette. The coupe-style base model starts at $59,995. The 2LT offers plenty more features for $7,000 more. And the 3LT starts at $71,945. 

You don’t have to be of average height to enjoy a new Chevy Corvette. It offers enough space for anyone standing 6 feet 7 inches or shorter. However, expect to fiddle with your seat and steering wheel settings. 

The post Can a Tall Person Drive a Corvette? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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Bring a Trailer Bargain of the Week: 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The next-gen, all-AMG SL is just around the corner. But with convertible season coming up, some buyers might not want to wait or pay for a brand-new one. Luckily, there are plenty of used Mercedes-Benz SLs available, many at reasonable prices. And if you’re nervous about buying a depreciated modern Benz, a stalwart vintage one won’t necessarily break the bank. Case in point, the 1991 R129 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL available this week on Bring a Trailer.

A Mercedes-Benz R129 SL is “equal parts performance, prestige, and engineering excellence,” Automobile says

1992 R129 Mercedes-Benz 600 SL | Mercedes-Benz

The SL nameplate dates back to the original 300SL Gullwing, which eventually spawned a convertible model. And the R129 SL—or, technically, the SL-Class—is the fourth-gen version that replaced the long-lived R107. Although well-loved, by 1990 the R107 was almost 20 years old and rather outdated, Hagerty reports. Car and Driver describes the R129 as “a quantum leap in design, engineering, safety, and performance.”

The R129 SL models are contemporaries of the W124 E-Class. The two even share a platform, Classic & Sports Car points out. And just like the W124, they’re the products of famed designer Bruno Sacco. Sacco even describes the R129 “as ‘the most perfect car’ of his career,” Automobile reports. Plus, just like the W124, the R129 SL stems from a time when Mercedes-Benz was famous for over-engineered and innovative luxury.

Initially, Mercedes-Benz offered the R129 SL-Class in two forms: the 3.0-liter inline-six 300 SL and the 5.0-liter V8 500 SL, Autoweek reports. The German automaker later introduced more powerful models, like the V12-powered 600 SL and the SL 60 AMG. Famed tuner RENNtech even made a 575-hp version, Road & Track reports.

Power, though, wasn’t the R129 SL-Class’s biggest strength. The convertible was Mercedes-Benz’s flagship, Autoweek points out, and it lives up to the appellation. It has a retractable roll bar, a multi-link rear suspension, and optional adaptive dampers, Hagerty reports. The convertible also offers an industry-first power-operated roof, multiple airbags, ABS, and on later models, traction and stability control, Autoblog and Honest John note.

The R129 SL also has magnesium seat frames, power headrests, and central locking that locks the storage areas. It even has a power-operated rearview mirror like the W140 S-Class. As such, an R129 SL is arguably “the pinnacle of resplendent luxury,” R&T says.

The 1991 R129 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL on Bring a Trailer

The front 3/4 view of a two-tone green 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL in a park parking lot
1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL front 3/4 | Bring a Trailer

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Being a 1991 model, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL currently listed on Bring a Trailer is a pre-facelift model. In 1995 Mercedes updated the R129 lineup, and among other things, ditched the two-tone bodywork, Autotrader reports. But being an earlier 3.0-liter car means this Mercedes-Benz 300 SL doesn’t have the biodegradable wiring harness issues.

Despite its age, this 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is a fairly low-mileage example, with just over 117,000 miles on the clock. It’s not a pristine car, to be fair. It has some stone chips and scratches, and the driver’s seat has some cracks and wear. But it has extensive service records and an accident-free history. Plus, everything electronic on the convertible still works.

The tan-leather seats and wood-lined black dashboard of a 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL interior | Bring a Trailer

RELATED: The Mercedes 600 Is a ‘Grossly’ Luxurious Classic Sedan

Under the hood, this 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL has a 228-hp 3.0-liter inline-six engine linked to a five-speed automatic. The listing claims the car has a four-speed automatic, but all R129 300 SLs have either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic, Hagerty reports. This confusion might be due to the 500 SL decklid badge; those models initially had four-speed automatics.

Besides the leather upholstery, this 300 SL comes with power-adjustable heated seats, automatic climate control, cruise control, and ‘Acceleration Skid Control.’ It also has an aftermarket Clarion stereo, headlight wipers, fog lights, and a color-matched hardtop in addition to the black soft top. And the current owner recently changed the oil.

It’s a solid classic luxury convertible bargain

The rear 3/4 view of a two-tone-green 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL with a hardtop and a 500 SL badge in a park parking lot
1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL rear 3/4 | Bring a Trailer

RELATED: Cars and Bids Bargain of the Week: 1991 W126 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL

As of this writing, this 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is listed on Bring a Trailer at $3000 with three days left in the auction. Given its condition and mileage, that’s below the market average. A fair-condition R129 SL like this could easily go for twice as much, Hagerty reports.

For some, the idea of owning a depreciated classic luxury car might sound terrifying. And as with any used car purchase, it’s recommended bidders get a pre-purchase inspection. However, just like the W124, the R129 is a durable vintage car that’s not too complicated to DIY. The inline-six engine is legendarily durable, Autotrader reports, and replacement parts are readily available.

RELATED: John Travolta’s Stolen Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Gets Recovered in Pieces

In short, this 1991 300 SL has the makings of a dependable vintage luxury drop-top bargain.

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Broken Toyota Venza Airbag Wires Lead to Over 300,000 Models Recalled

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Toyota Venza, a midsize SUV falling between the RAV4 and the Highlander in size, is now an exclusively hybrid vehicle after its resurrection. While the Toyota Venza has a lot going for it, there is also a major recall out for older 2009 through 2015 models that all owners need to be aware of. Around 360,000 Toyota Venza models have been recalled due to broken airbag wires. Here are all the details. 

Older 2009-2015 models recalled

The Toyota Venza | Armando Arorizo/Bloomberg via Getty Images

If you own a 2009 through 2015 Toyota Venza in the U.S. or Canada, you may be affected. According to Car Complaints, 270,000 Toyota Venza models in the United States and 80,000 models in Canada were recalled due to possible broken wiring causing problems with the airbag system.

It is important to address this recall immediately because the problem could cause airbags to fail, leaving the driver unprotected on the driver’s side in the event of a crash. 

Not all Toyota Venzas are involved. To find out if your 2009-2015 model is affected by the airbag recall, you can contact Toyota at 800-331-4331. Toyota’s recall numbers are 21TB01 and 21TA01. Toyota dealerships will begin replacing wire harnesses on the driver-side front door after May 31, 2021. 

What caused the Toyota Venza recall?

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There are sensors in the driver-side front door frames that connect to the 2009-2015 Toyota Venza airbag system by electric wires. If one of these wires breaks, the airbag sensor in the door would fail. This would also cause the airbag warning light to illuminate. This is a dangerous situation because it disables the driver-side curtain airbags and the side airbags completely. 

According to Toyota, the sensor is connected by two twisted wires that are located inside a harness. These wires route through a grommet mounted in the door. Because of sizing differentiations, over time, the wires could break from rubbing on the grommet.

If they break, the result could be disabling the side airbags and leaving the driver unprotected in a crash situation. 

The 2021 Toyota Venza is not affected by this recall

Luckily, only model years 2009 through 2015 will be affected by the recall. The 2021 Toyota Venza is a good choice if you’re looking for a midsize SUV with a lot of green features. It’s an all-wheel-drive hybrid with great fuel efficiency for today’s economy.

The Venza is a top choice for safety. Like all new Toyotas, it comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. This suite of high-tech safety features includes lane departure warning, lane keep assist, road sign assist, adaptive cruise control, and an integrated backup camera. All of this driver-assist information is easily accessible through the 8-inch touchscreen. 

Toyota makes a couple of midsize SUVs, including the Toyota Venza and the Toyota Highlander. The Highlander is a slightly bigger SUV that is great for hauling, but the Venza has a bit more refined features. Of course, if you are looking for environmental friendliness, the hybrid Venza is the way to go with it’s impressive fuel economy and green hybrid badging. 

If you drive an earlier model Toyota Venza and you are concerned your vehicle might be part of the recall, it is easy to find out. If you have a 2009 through 2015 Venza, you may call Toyota at 800-331-4331 to find out if it is part of the recall. You can also check the NHTSA recall website and type in your VIN number for instant information on any recalls for your vehicle. 

Remember, this particular recall doesn’t officially begin until May 31, 2021, so dealerships won’t make any related repairs before then. 

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Cars and Bids Bargain of the Week: 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The famed 22B STi might be the ultimate Subaru Impreza WRX, but its market price hovers in supercar territory. But lately, even ‘lesser’ WRX models have risen in value, especially clean, unmodified examples. However, if you look carefully, there are still a few affordable ones left. For example, the 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi on sale this week on Cars and Bids.

The first-gen Subaru Impreza WRX STi was a rally-bred sensation

2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi front | Subaru

US enthusiasts had to wait quite a while to get their hands on a Subaru Impreza WRX, let alone the STi version. Although the first WRX arrived in 1992, and the first STi came in 1994, we never saw them, Road & Track reports.

We didn’t get a sporty Impreza here until the 1998 2.5 RS, and the first US-market WRX arrived in 2002. It wouldn’t be until 2004 that Subaru finally delivered the STi to the US. Performance-wise, though, the car was worth the wait. That’s because it took everything that made the standard Impreza WRX impressive and dialed it up even more.

Firstly, instead of a 2.0-liter engine and a five-speed manual, the 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi has a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual. So, instead of 227 hp, it has 300 hp and 300 lb-ft, Roadshow reports. And while the STi has AWD, too, it also has an active and driver-adjustable center differential.

On top of that, the 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi has Brembo brakes and a quicker steering rack, Hagerty reports. It also has a larger hood scoop and rear wing than the ‘base’ WRX, MotorTrend reports, as well as BBS wheels and stiffer anti-roll bars, dampers, and bushings. The stereo was optional, but a driver-controlled intercooler sprayer came standard, as well as front and rear limited-slip differentials.

As a result, the 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi runs 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, Hagerty reports. That’s a full second faster than the contemporary WRX and 0.3 seconds ahead of the contemporary M3, Autoweek reports. No, it’s not nearly as polished or as quiet as its successors. But the 2004 WRX STi feels delightfully raw and visceral. And it’s still an exhilarating blast to drive, especially on snowy roads, Car and Driver reports.

The 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi on Cars and Bids

A silver 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi in a dirt parking lot
2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi side 3/4 | Cars and Bids

RELATED: Ken Block’s 2002 Subaru WRX STI up for grabs

The 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi currently listed on Cars and Bids doesn’t bear the iconic blue-and-gold livery. But then, besides the black-painted BBS wheels, it also doesn’t have any modifications. And with less than 83,100 miles on the clock, this STi Subaru is a fairly low-mileage example.

This 2004 STi doesn’t have the optional stereo. But it is fairly well-equipped otherwise. Besides the trick differential and Brembo brakes, the 2004 WRX STi also has two-tone sport seats, a turbo-boost gauge, and HID headlights. This car also has A/C, cruise control, an armrest extension, and an upgraded factory alarm system.

The blue-and-black front sport seats and black dashboard of a 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi
2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi front interior | Cars and Bids

RELATED: The Subaru Legacy GT Spec B Was a Sleeper WRX

Cosmetically, this 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi isn’t perfect; it has some scratches and stone chips. However, Cars and Bids notes that the seller has service records dating back from when the car was new. This WRX STi also recently passed its California smog test and has several new components. Last year the seller replaced the timing belt, the battery, the idler pulleys, the air intake, the intake and exhaust manifold gaskets, the intercooler gasket, multiple hoses, and the coolant.

It’s a near-mint-condition import sports sedan bargain

The rear 3/4 view of a silver 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi in a dirt parking lot
2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi rear 3/4 | Cars and Bids

RELATED: Saab 9-2X Aero: A More Refined Subaru WRX

As of this writing, this 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi is listed on Cars and Bids at $11,300 with four days left in the auction. Given its condition, that’s noticeably below the market average.

Today, a good-condition 2004 STi can easily go for $25K, Hagerty reports. And the average price on Bring a Trailer hovers in the $20,000-$30,000 range. Plus, 2004 is one of the best years for US-market WRX models. In short, this STi is one heck of a well-kept bargain.

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