How much horsepower does a 1978 Ford Fairmont have?
The horsepower of a 1978 Ford Fairmont depends on the engine under the hood. In general, base models with the 2.3-liter inline-four produced about 88–95 horsepower, while the optional 2.8-liter V6 raised that range to roughly 105–140 horsepower. A very rare V8 option existed on certain higher-trim or specialty packages, delivering more power than the standard four- and six-cylinder setups.
This article breaks down the typical engine choices offered for the 1978 Fairmont, how horsepower was rated at the time, and what that meant for performance in everyday driving.
Common engine options and horsepower in 1978
The following figures reflect the powerplants most commonly available to American buyers in 1978, with horsepower ranges that account for variations in emission controls and carburetion.
- 2.3-liter inline-4 (I4): approximately 88–95 horsepower.
- 2.8-liter V6: typically 105–140 horsepower, depending on configuration and emission equipment.
- Very rare V8 option: some higher-trim or specialty packages could include a small-block V8, delivering noticeably more horsepower than the four- and six-cylinder engines (roughly in the 150–170 hp range for Ford’s V8 offerings of that era, with exact figures varying by package and year).
In practice, most 1978 Fairmonts were equipped with the 2.3L I4 or the 2.8L V6. The V8 option was uncommon and reserved for a limited number of configurations.
Notes on how horsepower was measured
Horsepower figures from the late 1970s were published under SAE net ratings, reflecting production engines with standard exhaust and accessories. This can differ from the earlier gross ratings and from modern comparisons, so actual in-car acceleration could vary based on gearing, transmission, and vehicle condition.
Summary
Overall, the 1978 Ford Fairmont offered a narrow spectrum of horsepower: about 88–95 hp from the basic 2.3-liter inline-four, 105–140 hp from the optional 2.8-liter V6, and higher power in the rare V8-equipped variants. For most buyers of that year, the 2.3L I4 or the 2.8L V6 was the standard configuration, with the V8 being an exception rather than the rule.
