How fast is a 1959 Dodge Coronet?
The top speed of a 1959 Dodge Coronet depends on the engine and drivetrain, but most models fall in the roughly 95–120 mph range, with 0–60 mph times typically in the broad vicinity of 9–15 seconds depending on configuration. The fastest versions were the big V8s paired with performance-orientated transmissions, while the base models were notably more modest in outright speed.
In 1959, the Coronet lineup spanned economy-minded entries to big, comfortable family cars, all sharing Mopar’s early postwar styling but differing widely in power and gearing. This article surveys the common engine options, transmissions, and how those choices translated into real-world speed and acceleration for the era.
Engine and transmission options
Below is a snapshot of the primary powertrain configurations that drove speed, along with notes on how gearing affected performance.
- Inline-six engine option: the base setup offered the slowest acceleration and lowest top speed among the lineup, typically yielding a top speed around the mid-90s to 100 mph and 0–60 mph in the mid-to-late teens. Usually paired with a 3-speed manual or an early automatic.
- Small-block V8 option (the more common 318-class): noticeably quicker than the inline-six, with top speeds around 100–110 mph and 0–60 mph commonly in the low to mid-teens, depending on carburetion and gearing. Available with 3-speed manual and either a 2- or 3-speed automatic.
- Medium-to-large V8 options (361 and 383-class): best performing engines in the Coronet lineup, capable of roughly 110–120 mph top speed and 0–60 mph in the high single digits to low teens, depending on equipment and weight. Often paired with either a 2-speed or 3-speed automatic, or a 4-speed manual on some configurations.
These figures reflect the era’s road tests and factory data, and actual performance could vary based on vehicle condition, weight, tire choice, and aero considerations.
How speed and acceleration were measured in 1959
In the late 1950s, performance figures came from magazine road tests and manufacturer data, both of which were influenced by testing conditions, road surfaces, tire construction, and gearing. The following ranges summarize representative results by engine category.
- Base inline-six models: top speed near 95–100 mph; 0–60 mph often in the mid-to-high teens.
- Small-block V8 (around 318): top speed about 100–110 mph; 0–60 mph typically 12–14 seconds.
- Large V8s (361/383): top speed roughly 110–120 mph; 0–60 mph around 10–12 seconds depending on gearing and option packages.
Gearing, weight, and tire technology of the period played a significant role in the actual numbers, so restoration or collector cars can show some variance from idealized tests.
Putting the numbers into context
The Dodge Coronet was positioned as a solid, mid-range full-size car, with performance moving up as you opted for larger V8s and more aggressive transmissions. The brand’s emphasis on comfort and presence meant even the faster variants prioritized ride quality alongside speed. For enthusiasts restoring or evaluating a 1959 Coronet, the variation in engine choices means a wide spread of potential performance outcomes rather than a single, fixed figure.
Summary
In sum, a 1959 Dodge Coronet’s speed depended largely on engine choice and gearing. Base models with an inline-six were the slowest, mid-range V8s offered a meaningful boost, and the top V8s could reach the low-to-mid 110s mph with 10–12 second 0–60 sprints under favorable conditions. Real-world performance today will reflect restoration quality, weight, tire choice, and maintenance, but the car’s most capable configurations from that era remain lively examples of late-1950s American horsepower.
Overall, the Coronet’s speed profile across the lineup highlights the era’s typical trade-offs between comfort, style, and power, delivering a range of performance experiences rather than a single speed figure.
