Are 2013 Dodge Darts fast?
The short answer is: not by modern sports-car standards, but the Dodge Dart offered a few reasonably quick variants for a compact sedan of its era. The fastest version typically cited was the turbocharged 1.4-liter, with other engines delivering more modest acceleration. Overall, these cars are adequate for daily driving and highway merging, but they aren’t considered fast in the contemporary sense.
Engine options and performance
2.0-liter Tigershark I4
Below is a snapshot of the base engine that powered many early Dart models.
- Horsepower: 160 hp
- Torque: 148 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
- Transmissions: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
- 0–60 mph: roughly 9.0–9.5 seconds
- Top speed: around 125 mph
- Approximate curb weight: 3,100–3,200 lbs
Overall, the 2.0-liter provides sufficient everyday performance but trails the more powerful options in acceleration and vigor.
2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir II
The 2.4-liter option offered a noticeable bump in power and torque for more responsive acceleration.
- Horsepower: 184 hp
- Torque: 171 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
- Transmissions: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
- 0–60 mph: typically around 8.0–8.5 seconds
- Top speed: roughly 125–128 mph
- Approximate curb weight: ~3,200–3,300 lbs
The 2.4L is generally recognized as the practical “fastest” non-turbo Dart from that year’s lineup, delivering quicker acceleration and more confident highway passing than the 2.0L.
1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo
The most spirited Dart option in terms of performance was the turbocharged variant, which aimed to combine efficiency with quicker sprinting.
- Horsepower: ~160 hp
- Torque: ~184 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
- Transmissions: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
- 0–60 mph: typically in the mid-to-high 7-second range
- Top speed: around 128–130 mph
- Approximate curb weight: ~3,000–3,200 lbs
Across the Dart lineup, the turbocharged 1.4L stands out as the quickest option, delivering notably faster launch and mid-range pull compared with the naturally aspirated engines.
Real-world driving and impressions
In everyday use, the Dart’s acceleration feels adequate for city driving, highway merging, and overtaking on open roads. The 1.4L Turbo’s torque helps with quick passing and brisk acceleration, especially at highway speeds, while the 2.4L offers a more confident feel through mid-range bursts. The 2.0L remains the most modest option, often best suited for routine commuting. Handling is generally composed, though the Dart’s tall stance and weight distribution can limit that “sports sedan” sensation. Transmission behavior—especially in older automatics—can influence perceived responsiveness as well.
Pros and cons at a glance
To help readers gauge performance trade-offs, here is a quick look at what affected acceleration and daily usability across the 2013 Dart lineup.
- Pros: Turbo variant delivers the strongest straight-line performance; 2.4L offers a solid balance of power and efficiency; all engines pair with front-wheel drive for predictable handling.
- Cons: Overall weight and platform age can limit sporty feel; 0–60 times vary with transmission choice and tire condition; interior materials and refinement may lag behind some rivals.
In perspective, the Dart’s speed and feel are consistent with its compact-sedan class, prioritizing practicality and efficiency over outright sportiness.
Summary
In the 2013 Dodge Dart lineup, performance varied by engine. The 1.4L turbo offered the quickest 0–60 times and the most spirited drive among the gasoline options, while the 2.4L provided a stronger base acceleration than the 2.0L. None of the engines match modern hot-hatch benchmarks, but for a compact sedan of its era, the Dart could feel adequately quick in permissible driving contexts. Buyers seeking brisk sportiness would have found the turbo variant the most satisfying, with the 2.4L serving as a capable compromise.
