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.
Ford 335 engine
The 351 Cleveland was introduced in 1969 for the 1970 model year. Its actual displacement was . A 4V (four venturi) performance version and a 2V (two venturi) version were built. The 351C-4V was marketed as a high-performance engine, featuring large valves and ports and a closed "quench" combustion chamber. Later versions of the 351C with 4V heads continued to use the large ports and valves, but switched to open chamber heads in an effort to reduce engine emissions. The 351C-2V was never marketed as a high-performance engine. It used cylinder heads with smaller valves, smaller ports and open combustion chambers to produce a more economical engine that produced greater low-rpm torque. Only the Q-code 351 "Cobra Jet" (1971–1974), R-code "Boss" 351 (1971), and R-code 351 "HO" (1972) versions have four-bolt main bearing caps.