Ford (USA) Pinto

When the demand for a genuine small car increased, Ford introduced the Pinto in late 1970.  This was finally a car of European proportions: the wheelbase was 94 in (2,390 mm), length was 163 in (4,140 mm), width was 69 in (1,760 mm) and height 50 in (1,270 mm).  For comparison the relevant dimension for a VW Beetle are 94 in (2,400 mm), 158 in (4,030 mm), 61 in (1,550 mm), and 59 in (1,500 mm).  The rear wheels were driven by a 1,599 or 1,998 cc engine for power of 55 or 87 bhp.  Since the car weighted less than 2,200 lb (1,000 kg) its top speed was from 87 mph - 100 mph (140-160 kph).  But unfortunately the Pinto too was not allowed to remain small and in 1975 its four cylinder engine was increased to 2,301 cc and a six-cylinder 2,793 cc motor added to the options.  The car had also grown by 6 in 150 mm.