How much HP does a Ford Pinto have?
The Ford Pinto's horsepower varied by engine and year, typically ranging from about 88 to 110 horsepower depending on configuration and emissions controls. Most models settled in the 90s range.
Engine options and horsepower across the Pinto's run
During its production from 1971 to 1980, the Pinto offered two main four-cylinder engines. The base 1.6-liter engine was the least powerful, while a larger 2.0-liter option pushed output higher. Here are the typical figures you would see by engine.
- 1.6-liter inline-four (the base engine in early Pintos): about 88 horsepower (SAE net) with variations around 84-90 hp depending on emissions equipment and model year.
- 2.0-liter inline-four (used in later Pintos): about 95-100 horsepower (SAE net), with some revisions yielding around 100-110 hp in certain trims or markets.
These figures reflect the U.S. market Pintos and note that horsepower is reported as SAE net in many modern references, which reduces engine output compared to older gross ratings.
Performance context
Horsepower alone doesn't tell the full story. The Pinto's light weight and compact design produced modest acceleration and top speeds that were competitive for subcompact cars of the era, with 0-60 mph times generally in the low to mid-teens seconds range and top speeds around the 100 mph mark, varying by engine and condition.
Historical note
Named for its competition with other subcompact cars, the Pinto became infamous for its safety issues unrelated to horsepower, but its powertrain options did provide reliable, economical transportation for many buyers in the 1970s.
Summary: The Ford Pinto offered two main engine options during its production: a base 1.6-liter producing roughly 88 hp and an optional 2.0-liter producing around 95-100 hp. Overall, Pintos delivered roughly 90-100 horsepower in typical configurations, with numbers varying by year and market.
