Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1978 Brat.
The 1978 Subaru Brat is the specific model-year subject of this reference overview, a vehicle whose body, platform, and engine configuration are best understood within the context of its position in the nameplate’s production sequence. As a defined entry in the Brat lineup, this 1978 iteration represents a distinct point in the model’s timeline for researchers to examine. That chronological placement directly shapes its standing in the model’s broader reliability history, establishing the 1978 example as a fixed benchmark against which to measure subsequent development and documented durability trends.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 165 in |
| Overall width | 61 in |
| Overall height | 56.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 96.5 in |
| Curb weight | 4729 lb |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the Brat of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | GL Regular Cab (5'3" Bed) 1.8L F-4 | 14.30 sec | 19.40 sec | 73 hp | 4WD |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
A TUBE IN THE FUEL EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM CAN BECOME OBSTRUCTED, CAUSING EXCESSIVE PRESSURE TO BUILD UP IN THE FUEL TANK. THIS USUALLY OCCURS IN EXTREMELY HIGH TEMPERATURES OR INTENSE SUNLIGHT. EXCESSIVE… Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED TUBE AND VALVE ASSEMBLY IN THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM.
Showing 5 of 10 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15-302-22 | 2022-08-23 | Equipment | This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as… |
| 01-167-08R | 2022-08-23 | Equipment | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the… |
| 15-192-22R | 2022-03-18 | Electrical System | This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential… |
| 01-167-08R | 2021-06-17 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the… |
| 09-51-08R | 2021-06-07 | Equipment | This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.