Ford Pinto
Upon release the Pinto was received with both positive and negative reviews. "Road & Track" faulted the suspension and standard drum brakes, calling the latter a "serious deficiency," but praised the proven 1.6 L "Kent" engine, adapted from European Fords. The larger "2300 inline-4" found in the Chevrolet Vega was an innovative, brand new design using an aluminum alloy block and iron head, but needed more development work as initially released. "Super Stock Magazine" found the fit and finish to be "superior" and were impressed with the car overall. "Car and Driver" found the Pinto, when equipped with the larger 2.0L engine and front disc brakes, to be a nimble and powerful commuter car with good visibility and sports-car feel. A review of the 1974 Pinto with an automatic transmission by "Car and Driver" was not as favorable noting significant decreases in mileage and acceleration.
Dino 206 GT and 246 GT
Later Fiat Dinos also used the 2.4L engine, although significantly fewer were produced with this engine.
Calls for more power were answered with the Dino 246 65° V6 engine, DOHC 2 valves per cylinder 9.0:1 compression ratio, iron block with alloy heads. It produced at 7,600 rpm and at 5,500 rpm of torque, and was available as a fixed-top "GT" coupé or, after 1971, an open Spyder "GTS". A detuned American version had an exhaust air pump, and timing changes which created . The GT had 3X2-barrel 40 DCNF/6 or 40 DCNF/7 Weber carburetors. For the 246 a new version of the Dinoplex ignition was deployed, the more compact Magneti Marelli AEC103A system.