How much horsepower does a 1973 Ford Pinto have?
The 1973 Ford Pinto offered two four-cylinder engines, with horsepower ranging roughly from 60–75 hp for the 1.6-liter base engine and about 88–95 hp for the optional 2.0-liter engine.
In more detail, Ford's 1973 Pinto lineup centered on two four-cylinder powerplants. The base 1.6-liter (Kent) engine provided modest power for the small subcompact, while an optional 2.0-liter (Lima) engine offered noticeably more horsepower for buyers seeking quicker acceleration. Horsepower figures from that era depend on the testing standard used (SAE net vs. SAE gross) and the specific drivetrain configuration, so numbers can vary slightly between brochures, service manuals, and period reviews.
Engine options in 1973 Pinto
The following summarizes the two engines that were available for the 1973 Pinto and their typical horsepower ranges in US-market cars.
- 1.6-liter inline-4 (Kent engine; carbureted): approximately 60–75 horsepower (SAE net), depending on transmission and specification.
- 2.0-liter inline-4 (Lima engine; carbureted): approximately 88–95 horsepower (SAE net).
These figures reflect the common horsepower ratings used in brochures and owner manuals of the era. The actual in-car performance would also be influenced by gearing, vehicle weight, and emission-control equipment.
Understanding the horsepower numbers from that era
During the early 1970s, horsepower measurements could differ based on whether SAE gross or SAE net ratings were used. SAE gross numbers, common in older advertising, often show higher figures than SAE net ratings that became standard later in the decade. For the Pinto, most contemporary documentation from 1973-74 referenced SAE net horsepower, which accounts for reductions due to accessories and exhaust. In practice, this means the published numbers represent the power available at the crank after accounting for typical engine accessories rather than the full, figure-only output.
Impact of rating methods and market variation
Because pundits and buyers compared vehicles using different standards, some 1970s sources may list higher horsepower than others for the same engine. In addition, export markets sometimes used slightly different tuning or exhaust setups, which could shift the exact figure by a few horsepower. For a 1973 Pinto owned today, the most reliable reference is the original window sticker or dealer documentation for the specific vehicle.
Notes by market and optioning
In the United States, the two-engine setup described above covers the standard Pinto lineup for 1973. Some international markets experimented with variations or later updates, but the two-engine option was the core configuration for the year. The choice between the 1.6-liter and the 2.0-liter engine typically aligned with buyer needs for fuel economy versus acceleration and load capacity.
Summary
For the 1973 Ford Pinto, horsepower depended on engine choice. The base 1.6-liter engine delivered roughly 60–75 hp (SAE net), while the optional 2.0-liter engine offered about 88–95 hp (SAE net). These figures reflect the era’s measurement practices and can vary slightly by market and configuration. In context, the Pinto was designed as an economical subcompact, prioritizing efficiency and practicality over high horsepower, with the two engine options catering to different buyer priorities.
How much horsepower does a Ford Pinto have?
Ford Pinto horsepower varied significantly depending on the engine and model year, ranging from approximately 75 to 103 horsepower for factory-built models. For example, the 1971 model had about 75 hp, while later models with the 2.0L engine produced around 86 hp. Modified or performance versions could reach much higher figures, with one example reaching 175 hp after turbocharging.
Factory engine options
- 1.6L engine: Approximately 75 hp
- 2.0L engine: Around 86 hp (in 1973) or 97 hp (in 1971)
- 2.3L engine: Around 90-92 hp
- 2.8L V6 engine: Around 103 hp (in 1975-1976)
Modified versions
- Turbocharged 2.0L engine: Around 175 hp
- Custom builds: Can exceed 200 hp, with some race versions reaching over 200 hp
What was the worst year for the Ford Pinto?
The NHTSA investigation found that 27 deaths were found to have occurred between 1970 and mid-1977 in rear-impact crashes that resulted in a fire.
What was the fastest car in 1973?
The fastest production car in 1973 was likely the Ferrari 365 GT4 BB, which was unveiled that year and called the fastest in the world at the time, while the De Tomaso Pantera is often cited as the fastest production car for that model year based on performance metrics like its 0-60 time of 6.0 seconds. For racing, the Porsche 917/30 was the most powerful race car, winning the Can-Am season with over 1,500 horsepower.
This video discusses the fastest American muscle cars of 1973: 55sFreedom MuscleYouTube · Jul 3, 2025
Production cars
- Ferrari 365 GT4 BB: Called the fastest car in the world when it was unveiled in 1973.
- De Tomaso Pantera: Often cited with performance figures like a 6.0-second 0-60 mph time and a top speed of 175 mph.
- Porsche 911: Another fast production car of the era, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds.
Race cars
- Porsche 917/30: The most powerful race car of the time, with over 1,500 horsepower, it dominated the 1973 Can-Am season.
Other notable high-performance cars
- Chevrolet Corvette: Had a 0-60 mph time of 8.0 seconds.
- Pontiac Trans Am 455 Super Duty: A powerful American muscle car that could run the quarter mile in 13.8 seconds.
How much horsepower does a 1973 Pontiac 400 have?
1973 Pontiac Grand Prix Engines and Specifications
The Grand Prix's base engine was the familiar 400-cubic-inch Pontiac V-8. Equipped with a Rochester Quadrajet four-barrel carburetor, it was rated at 230 net horsepower at 4,400 rpm, with 325 pound-feet of torque at 3,200 revs. The compression ratio was 8.0:1.
