What is the top speed of the 1971 Ford Maverick?

In short, the 1971 Maverick’s top speed depended on engine and gearing, with base inline-sixes typically under 100 mph and the V8 models pushing into the 110–120 mph range in stock form.

Engine options and performance

The following stock top speeds reflect typical configurations Ford offered in the 1971 Maverick, though real-world figures vary with gearing, tires and wear.

• 170 cubic inch inline-6: approximately 90–95 mph (145–153 km/h) in stock form.


• 250 cubic inch inline-6: roughly 100–105 mph (160–169 km/h).


• 302 cubic inch V8: typically about 110–120 mph (177–193 km/h).

In short, engine choice determined the ceiling: the six-cylinders were closer to the mid-range, while the 302 V8 offered the highest potential top speed among 1971 Mavericks.

Gearing, tires and other factors

Beyond engine choice, several variables shaped the actual top speed. The following factors commonly influenced performance in practice.

• Rear axle ratio: Common options hovered around 2.79–3.00:1. A taller ratio (lower numeric) can boost top speed slightly but may reduce off-the-line acceleration.


• Transmission type: Manual versus automatic transmissions affected engine revs and gearing behavior at highway speeds.


• Tire size and condition: Wider or larger-diameter tires changed rolling resistance and gearing effectively.


• Aerodynamics and weight: The Maverick’s compact shape helped, but weight and worn seals or accessories could drag performance downward.


• Vehicle condition and maintenance: Spark, carburetion, and drivetrain wear could shave or add mph in practice.

In practice, the actual top speed depended on how the car was built and how well it was maintained, along with the specific options chosen at purchase.

Real-world testing and notes

Historical road tests from the era show that top speeds clustered around the ranges listed above, with V8-equipped Mavericks commonly reaching just over 110 mph under favorable conditions and six-cylinder models staying closer to the 95–105 mph mark. Exact figures varied based on gearing, tire condition, and environmental factors.

Notable tests

Contemporary automotive outlets of the early 1970s generally reported that the 302 V8 version could approach or surpass the 110 mph ceiling in ideal testing scenarios, while the inline-sixes tended to stay under 100 mph. Speeds quoted in public test setups depended heavily on the specific transmission and axle gearing used by the tester.

Summary

The 1971 Ford Maverick offered multiple powertrains, with top speeds ranging from roughly 90–95 mph on the base inline-6 to about 110–120 mph for the 302 V8. Real-world results depend on gearing, tires, vehicle condition, and configuration, so the exact number for a given car could vary. Overall, the Maverick’s performance ceiling rose with the V8 option, while the six-cylinder models stayed in the lower end of the spectrum.

In the end, the Maverick’s appeal lay in its value and versatility, rather than outright top speed, but the V8 models did deliver notably stronger highway performance for the era.

How much horsepower does a 1971 Ford Maverick have?

210 hp
For 1971, the Maverick put more zip on the menu with an optional 302-cubic-inch Windsor V-8, rated at 210 hp (140 net hp for 1972). The updated Grabber mimicked the Mustang Mach 1 with new “road lamps” in the grille and a “dual-dome” hood with fake air scoops. The hood was dropped after 1972.

How much is a 1971 Ford Maverick worth today?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $9,600 for a 1971 Ford Maverick Grabber in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1971 Ford Maverick Grabber? The highest selling price of a 1971 Ford Maverick Grabber at auction over the last three years was $20,250.

How much horsepower does a 1971 Ford 460 have?

The 1971 Ford 460 engine produced 365 gross horsepower. This rating was based on "gross" horsepower, which was measured without accessories like the exhaust system and power steering. In 1972, horsepower ratings dropped significantly when the industry adopted the "net" horsepower standard, which measured power under more realistic operating conditions.
 

• Gross Horsepower: The 1971 rating of 365 hp was a "gross" figure, meaning it was an idealized measurement without the parasitic losses from accessories like the alternator, water pump, and power steering. 
• Net Horsepower: In 1972, a new "net" horsepower standard was adopted, which led to a dramatic drop in reported horsepower ratings for all engines, including the 460. 
• Later Models: Emissions regulations also led to a decrease in the 460's compression ratio over time, further lowering its horsepower rating in subsequent years. 

What was the top speed of the Plymouth GTX in 1971?

The top speed of a 1971 Plymouth GTX varies depending on the engine, with sources citing a top speed of around 130 mph to 140 mph for the standard models, and a possible higher top speed of ~140 mph for the 4-speed Hemi version. The high-performance 440+6 engine could achieve a top speed of 140 mph as well. It is important to note that these figures are estimates and real-world top speeds can be affected by factors like gearing, altitude, and specific engine condition.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the performance of a 1971 Plymouth GTX with a 440 engine: 58sHemmingsYouTube · Oct 10, 2023

• Standard models: Around 130 mph.
• Hemi engine (4-speed manual): Around 140 mph.
• 440+6 engine: Around 140 mph. 

This video shows a 1971 Plymouth GTX with a 426 HEMI engine and discusses its performance capabilities: 37srockinchimpYouTube · Nov 22, 2024