How much horsepower does the Subaru Brat have?
The Subaru Brat’s horsepower isn’t a single fixed figure; it varied by year and engine option. In general, early 1.6-liter models produced roughly 70–75 horsepower, while later 1.8-liter variants approached about 85–90 horsepower depending on carburetion or fuel injection and the market.
Engine options over the Brat's lifespan
Here are the main engine-and-power themes you’ll find in historical records for the Brat, illustrating how power evolved with different configurations.
- 1.6-liter flat-four (EA-81 family): typically about 70–75 hp for North American-market Brats, with torque in the mid-range for practical daily use.
- 1.8-liter flat-four (EA-82 family): approximately 85–90 hp in carbureted forms, with slightly higher output in some fuel-injected variants found in certain markets.
Across generations and markets, horsepower generally rose modestly as Subaru refined emissions controls and fueling strategies, though the Brat remained more about rugged utility than straight-line speed.
Driving dynamics and practical impact
horsepower is just one piece of the puzzle for the Brat’s performance. Its combination of lightweight design, available all-wheel drive, and a practical pickup bed meant that even with modest power, it offered usable acceleration for daily driving and solid off-road capability for light-duty tasks. Real-world performance varied by engine, gearing, and condition, but the Brat was consistently praised for its go-anywhere practicality rather than blistering speed.
Notes on specifics by market
Because Subaru sold Brats in different markets, some regions used slightly different tuning or optional equipment that can affect exact horsepower figures. If you’re researching a particular VIN or showroom spec, check the original dealer literature or the factory service manual for that year and region.
Summary
The Subaru Brat’s horsepower typically ranged from about 70–75 hp in early 1.6-liter versions to roughly 85–90 hp in later 1.8-liter models, with variations based on carburetion or fuel injection and regional tuning. This made the Brat capable and reliable, especially when paired with available all-wheel drive, but it wasn’t a high-performance vehicle by modern standards. For precise numbers, identify the exact model year and market and consult period documentation.
