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How fast is a Dodge Polara?

In stock form, a Dodge Polara’s top speed varied by year and engine, but typical early-1960s Polaras ran about 110–125 mph, with rare high-performance variants capable of roughly 140–150 mph.


Framing the question requires noting that the Polara name adorned several full-size Dodge models from the early 1960s, with engine options from modest V8s up to the famous 426 cubic inch Hemi. Performance depended on rear-end gearing, weight, tires, and whether a manual or automatic transmission was paired with the engine. Below is a snapshot of what speeds looked like across common configurations.


Performance ranges by configuration


Below are representative speed ranges for typical Polara configurations from the early 1960s. Figures reflect factory stock setups and will vary with options, gearing, and weight.



  • Non-Hemi V8 Polaras (roughly 360–383 cu in) with factory gearing and automatic transmission: top speeds typically about 110–125 mph; 0–60 mph in the high 9s to low 12s seconds, depending on the exact engine and rear axle ratio.

  • 426 Hemi-powered Polaras (1964–65 Polara 500, rare but documented): top speeds around 140–150 mph; 0–60 mph commonly in the mid to high 6 seconds range with favorable gearing and transmission.

  • Other big-block or performance-oriented options of the era could push toward the upper end of this range, but many Polaras weighed significantly more than true lightweight muscle cars, tempering outright speed.


These figures reflect historical road tests and catalogs; real-world results vary by condition, maintenance, and modifications.


Notable variants and their speed profiles


426 Hemi Polara


The 426 Hemi option is the standout for Polara performance. In the 1964–65 Polara 500, a Hemi‑powered car could achieve top speeds near 140–150 mph (225–241 km/h) when equipped with performance tires and suitable gearing. Acceleration into the six-second range for 0–60 mph was achievable in well‑configured builds, though most surviving examples were heavy and tuned for performance more than outright sprint acceleration.


Base Polara and standard V8s


The more common Polaras built with smaller V8s offered solid highway acceleration but were not built for top speed. In stock form they typically reached about 110–125 mph, with 0–60 times generally in the 9–12 second range depending on the year, drivetrain, and options.


Overall, the Polara's speed envelope reflects its era: a full-size sedan with a choice of big V8s—culminating in the Hemi option—delivered a spectrum from cruiser to high-velocity performer, shaped by heavy curb weights and the technology of the time.


Summary


The Dodge Polara's speed depended heavily on engine and configuration. Most stock models from the early 1960s topped out around 110–125 mph, while the 426 Hemi‑powered versions could push toward 140–150 mph. Real-world results vary with gearing, tires, and weight, making the Polara a broad performance spectrum rather than a single figure.

What is the top speed of the Dodge Polara police car?


The 1969 Polara Pursuit, with its 375 bhp 440, sleek new "fuselage" bodystyle, and standard 3.23 axle, could do 0-60 in 6.3 seconds, the quarter mile in 14.3 seconds (at over 99 mph), and run out to a top speed of (or, by some accounts, above) 147 mph.It took a 25 years, a Corvette engine, and a four-speed transmission ...



How much horsepower does a 1964 Dodge Polara have?


Standard power was provided by a 361-cid, 305-hp V-8 engine, with shifting duties handled by either a 3-speed, 4-speed, or Torqueflite automatic transmission. Body styles were limited to 2- and 4-door hardtops and a convertible.



What Dodge goes 200 mph?


It was so fast they had to change the rules in order to stop it. And yes this thing would go over 200 mph in 1969 with a boot you could still load a set of golf clubs. Into.



How much horsepower does a Dodge Polara have?


DODGE Polara 5.9

ENGINE SPECS - 5.9
Cylinders:V8
Displacement:5916 cm3
Power:220 KW @ 4600 RPM 299 HP @ 4600 RPM 295 BHP @ 4600 RPM
Torque:390 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM 529 Nm @ 2400 RPM


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

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Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.