CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Ford Pinto

Ford Pinto — 1971–1980 (Pinto); 1974–1980 (Bobcat), 2-door sedan; 2-door sedan delivery; 2-door station wagon; 3-door hatchback, 1.6 L ''Kent I4''; 2.0 L ''EAO I4 ''; 2.3 L ''L23 I4 ''; 2.8 L ''Cologne V6 ''. Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Engine1.6 L ''Kent I4''; 2.0 L ''EAO I4 ''; 2.3 L ''L23 I4 ''; 2.8 L ''Cologne V6 ''

Transmission4-speed manual; 3-speed ''C3/"Selectshift/Cruise-O-Matic"'' automatic

About the Ford Pinto

Ford Pinto is a 2-door sedan; 2-door sedan delivery; 2-door station wagon; 3-door hatchback in the subcompact car class, with source data covering 1971–1980 (Pinto); 1974–1980 (Bobcat). The available vehicle data lists 1.6 L ''Kent I4''; 2.0 L ''EAO I4 ''; 2.3 L ''L23 I4 ''; 2.8 L ''Cologne V6 '' as an engine configuration, paired with 4-speed manual; 3-speed ''C3/"Selectshift/Cruise-O-Matic"'' automatic and a FR layout layout. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This Ford Pinto guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for 1.6 L ''Kent I4''; 2.0 L ''EAO I4 ''; 2.3 L ''L23 I4 ''; 2.8 L ''Cologne V6 '' and 4-speed manual; 3-speed ''C3/"Selectshift/Cruise-O-Matic"'' automatic transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

Ford Pinto specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make	Ford
Model	Pinto
Model years	1971–1980 (Pinto); 1974–1980 (Bobcat)
Body style	2-door sedan; 2-door sedan delivery; 2-door station wagon; 3-door hatchback
Vehicle class	Subcompact car
Manufacturer	Ford
Production	September 1970 – July 1980
Market / country	FI, NL, NZ

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the Ford Pinto includes 1.6 L ''Kent I4''; 2.0 L ''EAO I4 ''; 2.3 L ''L23 I4 ''; 2.8 L ''Cologne V6 ''.. Transmission information includes 4-speed manual; 3-speed ''C3/"Selectshift/Cruise-O-Matic"'' automatic.. The listed drivetrain/layout is FR layout.

Engine	1.6 L ''Kent I4''; 2.0 L ''EAO I4 ''; 2.3 L ''L23 I4 ''; 2.8 L ''Cologne V6 ''
Transmission	4-speed manual; 3-speed ''C3/"Selectshift/Cruise-O-Matic"'' automatic
Drivetrain / layout	FR layout

Dimensions, weight and practicality

Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.

Wheelbase	94.0 in (2,388 mm)
Length	163 in (4,140 mm)
Width	69.4 in (1,763 mm)
Height	50 in (1,270 mm)
Kerb / curb weight	2015 – (1971)

Ford Pinto chassis and equipment

Chassis	Unibody

Ford Pinto other specifications

Name	Ford Pinto
Image	Ford Pinto.jpg
Caption	Ford Pinto
Aka	Mercury Bobcat

Ford Pinto generations and model years

Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.

Generation / scope	Years	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain
Ford Pinto	1971–1980 (Pinto); 1974–1980 (Bobcat)	1.6 L ''Kent I4''; 2.0 L ''EAO I4 ''; 2.3 L ''L23 I4 ''; 2.8 L ''Cologne V6 ''	4-speed manual; 3-speed ''C3/"Selectshift/Cruise-O-Matic"'' automatic	FR layout

Ford Pinto features and equipment

Features shown below are tied to the available source material for this model. Equipment can vary by year, trim and market.

Standard or documented features

✓In 1973, Ford's Environmental and Safety Engineering division developed a cost–benefit analysis entitled ''Fatalities Associated with Crash Induced Fuel Leakage and Fires'' for submission to the NHTSA in support of Ford's objection to proposed stronger fuel system regulation

✓The ''Mother Jones'' article also erroneously claimed that somewhere between 500 and 900 persons had been killed in fires attributed to the Pinto's unique design features

TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Ford Pinto

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load33 PSI front32 PSI rear

Fully loaded35 PSI front35 PSI rear

Load condition	Front	Rear	Status
Normal	33 PSI	32 PSI	Estimate
Fully loaded	35 PSI	35 PSI	Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about Ford Pinto

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What engine does the Ford Pinto have?

The available source data lists the Ford Pinto engine as 1.6 L ''Kent I4''; 2.0 L ''EAO I4 ''; 2.3 L ''L23 I4 ''; 2.8 L ''Cologne V6 ''. Engine availability can differ by model year and market.

What tire pressure should I use for the Ford Pinto?

For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 33 PSI front and 32 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.

What is the best engine oil for the Ford Pinto?

There is no single best engine oil for every Ford Pinto configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.

What body style is the Ford Pinto?

The Ford Pinto is classified as a 2-door sedan; 2-door sedan delivery; 2-door station wagon; 3-door hatchback.

What years was the Ford Pinto produced?

The available vehicle record places the Ford Pinto in the 1971–1980 (Pinto); 1974–1980 (Bobcat) period. Exact availability can vary by market.

What are the dimensions of the Ford Pinto?

The available source data lists length 163 in (4,140 mm), width 69.4 in (1,763 mm), height 50 in (1,270 mm), and wheelbase 94.0 in (2,388 mm).

What transmission does the Ford Pinto have?

The available source data lists 4-speed manual; 3-speed ''C3/"Selectshift/Cruise-O-Matic"'' automatic transmission options for the Ford Pinto.

Is the Ford Pinto FWD, RWD or AWD?

The listed drivetrain/layout for the Ford Pinto is FR layout.

Who makes the Ford Pinto?

The manufacturer listed for the Ford Pinto is Ford.

When was the Ford Pinto produced?

The available source data describes production as September 1970 – July 1980.

How much does the Ford Pinto weigh?

The available source data lists a kerb/curb weight of 2015 – (1971). Actual weight can vary with engine, trim and equipment.

Where was the Ford Pinto built?

The available source record lists assembly information as '''United States:''' Edison, New Jersey (Edison Assembly); Milpitas, California (San Jose Assembly)'''Canada:''' Southwold, Ontario (St. Thomas Assembly).

What class of car is the Ford Pinto?

The Ford Pinto is listed in the Subcompact car class.

What platform does the Ford Pinto use?

The available source data lists the platform/chassis as Unibody.

Which markets or countries sold the Ford Pinto?

The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Ford Pinto with FI, NL, NZ. Market availability and specifications can differ.

What came after the Ford Pinto?

The available vehicle data lists Ford Escort / Mercury Lynx as a successor where applicable.

What replaced the Ford Pinto?

The available vehicle data lists Ford Escort / Mercury Lynx as the successor where applicable.

What cars are related to the Ford Pinto?

The available source data identifies related models as Mercury Bobcat; Ford Mustang II. Relationships can vary by market and generation.

How often should I check the tire pressure on the Ford Pinto?

Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the Ford Pinto?

No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.

Ford Pinto images

Vehicle images are shown from the stored source image records when available.