What size engine is in the 1973 Ford Maverick?
The 1973 Ford Maverick offered three primary engine sizes: 170 cubic inches inline-six, 200 cubic inches inline-six, and a 302 cubic inches V8.
Engine options and what they meant for buyers
In 1973, Ford positioned the Maverick as a compact, affordable car built on the Falcon platform. The engine lineup reflected a split between economy-minded buyers and those seeking more performance. The inline-sixes provided economy and reliability, while the V8 offered a more spirited driving experience.
Before examining the specifics, here is a concise look at the engine sizes available for the 1973 Maverick.
- 170 cubic inches (2.8 L) inline-six
- 200 cubic inches (3.3 L) inline-six
- 302 cubic inches (4.9 L) V8
These options illustrate Ford's strategy during the era: offer an economical six-cylinder base and a more powerful V8 upgrade for customers who wanted extra performance.
Context and market positioning
The Maverick's engine choices varied by trim and market, but the three-cylindered lineup was standard for many U.S. models of the era. The 302 V8, in particular, catered to customers seeking a compact car with stronger acceleration and highway capability, while the six-cylinder options remained popular for daily commuting and fuel efficiency.
Summary
The 1973 Ford Maverick could be equipped with a 170 cu in inline-six, a 200 cu in inline-six, or a 302 cu in V8. Availability depended on trim level and market, reflecting Ford's approach to offering affordable transport with optional performance upgrades. When evaluating a specific car, check the vehicle’s VIN or window sticker for the exact engine specification.
What engine came in a 1973 Ford Maverick?
Ford Maverick (1970–1977)
| Ford Maverick | |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 170 cu in (2.8 L) Thriftpower I6 200 cu in (3.3 L) Thriftpower I6 250 cu in (4.1 L) Thriftpower I6 302 cu in (4.9 L) Windsor V8 |
| Transmission | Ford C4 transmission in automatic models |
| Dimensions |
How much horsepower does a 1973 Mach 1 have?
The 1973 Mustang Mach 1 came with a range of horsepower options, but the most powerful was the 351 Cleveland 4-barrel V8, which produced 266 horsepower. Other engine options included the 351 Cleveland 2-barrel V8 at 177 horsepower and the 302 V8, which was less powerful.
You can watch this video to learn about the history and features of the 1971-1973 Mustang: 54sTony's Fords and MustangsYouTube · Jun 7, 2025
- 351 Cleveland 4-barrel V8: This was the top engine option, generating up to 266 horsepower.
- 351 Cleveland 2-barrel V8: This version was rated at 177 horsepower.
- 302 V8: This engine option produced 140 horsepower.
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
