What engine came in a 1973 Ford Maverick?
In 1973, the Ford Maverick offered a trio of engine options, spanning from an efficient inline-six to a small V8. The core answer is that the Maverick could be equipped with a 170 cubic-inch inline-six, with a 200 cubic-inch inline-six and a 302 cubic-inch V8 available as options.
Engine options for the 1973 Maverick
The following list summarizes the engines Ford offered for the 1973 Maverick and notes where each fit in the lineup.
- 170 cu in (2.8 L) inline-six — base engine, commonly found in entry-level Mavericks
- 200 cu in (3.3 L) inline-six — optional larger inline-six for more power
- 302 cu in (5.0 L) V8 — optional small-block V8 for performance-oriented buyers
In practice, the 170 cu in I6 typically served as the standard engine, while the 200 cu in I6 and the 302 cu in V8 were available as options depending on the model and package chosen.
Context and how these choices were presented
Ford positioned the Maverick as a versatile compact car during the early 1970s, a period shaped by tightening emissions rules and fluctuating fuel economy priorities. The three-engine lineup allowed buyers to select a basic, economical package, a mid-range option with more pulling power, or a V8-equipped variant for those seeking performance within a small car.
Transmission and drivetrain considerations
Most Mavericks offered with the 170 and 200 inline-sixes could be paired with either a three-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission. The 302 V8 option typically accompanied similar transmission choices, with configurations varying by trim and market.
Notes on performance figures
Horsepower and torque for these engines were influenced by emissions controls and tuning of the era. The V8 delivered notably more power than the six cylinders, but precise ratings varied by carburetion, exhaust, and spec sheet. Emissions regulations in the early 1970s also tempered peak outputs compared with earlier years.
Summary
The 1973 Ford Maverick offered three engine options: a 170 cu in inline-six as the standard powerplant, with a 200 cu in inline-six and a 302 cu in V8 available as higher-trim or option packages. This three-tier lineup provided buyers with choices that balanced economy, mid-range performance, and V8-equipped capability in Ford’s compact Maverick.
What engine did the old Ford Maverick have?
inch straight-six engine
The original Ford Maverick came with a 170 cubic inch straight-six engine that made it get 22 mpg and sold nearly 129,000 models its first year. The OG colors were pretty awesome too, including Anti-Establish Mint, Hulla Blue, Original Cinnamon, Freudian Gilt, Thanks Vermillion, and Meadowlark Yellow.
How much horsepower does a 1973 Ford 460 have?
The 1973 Ford 460 engine produced 365 horsepower (gross), a figure consistent with the 1968-1971 models. By 1973, however, the engine was also used in Ford trucks and cars, alongside its continued use in Lincolns, and horsepower ratings began to drop in later years to comply with emissions regulations.
This video explains how the Ford 460 engine was adapted for use in various vehicles: 1mIts Just Cars!YouTube · Jul 22, 2025
- Gross vs. Net horsepower: The 365 hp rating was a "gross" figure, measured on a test stand without accessories like the air conditioning or exhaust system, as was the standard practice at the time.
- Engine family: The 460 is part of the Ford 385 engine family, which was the last big-block V8 produced by Ford.
- Emissions and power decline: As emissions regulations tightened in the 1970s, a reduction in the 460's compression ratio and modifications to its camshaft timing caused its rated output to drop significantly in the following years.
- Later years: By 1977, the net horsepower had dropped to as low as 197 hp, and it continued to be modified to meet federal requirements for fuel economy and emissions.
This video shows an engine build project for a 460 engine: 54sBullnoseGarageYouTube · Oct 23, 2024
What engine did the 1972 Ford Maverick have?
The Ford Maverick was a compact car produced by Ford Motor Company from 1969 to 1977. The 1972 model was part of the car's first generation and came with various engine options, including a 170 cubic-inch I6 and a 250 cubic-inch I6.
How much horsepower does a 1973 Ford Maverick grabber have?
Equipped with a 302-cubic inch V8 with around 140 hp (net), the 2,800-pound '73 Grabber was no barn-burner, but with decent performance, capable of going from zero-to-sixty in around ten seconds when equipped with the three-speed automatic.
