How fast was a 68 Hemi Dart?
The 1968 Dodge Dart equipped with the 426 Hemi could reach 0–60 mph in roughly six seconds, run the quarter-mile in about 12.0–12.5 seconds at around 110–115 mph, and top out near 130–135 mph, depending on gearing, weight, and condition.
Engine and Performance Hardware
The 426 cubic inch Hemi engine — Mopar’s famed hemispherical V8 — powered a range of high-performance cars in the late 1960s. In the 1968 Dart, the Hemi delivered about 425 horsepower (gross) and roughly 490 lb-ft of torque. It employed dual four-barrel carburetors and high-compression pistons, paired with either a four-speed manual or a TorqueFlite automatic transmission. Final-drive gearing varied by build, influencing both acceleration and top speed.
Below are commonly cited performance figures for a 1968 Hemi Dart in stock or near-stock configuration.
- 0–60 mph: approximately 6.0–6.5 seconds
- Quarter-mile: roughly 12.0–12.8 seconds at about 110–115 mph
- Top speed: around 130–135 mph
These figures illustrate typical ranges; actual times depend on transmission choice, gearing, weight, tires, and overall drivetrain condition.
Influencing Factors and Real-World Variations
While the numbers above reflect commonly reported results, the 1968 Hemi Dart was a product of option combinations and tuning that could nudge performance in either direction. Drag-strip-ready cars often used manual transmissions and drag-appropriate rear gears, while street setups favored different gear ratios and tire choices. Condition, maintenance, and driver technique also played a large role in who posted the best times.
- Transmission choice: a four-speed manual typically offered quicker launches but required precise clutch control; an automatic (Torqueflite) could yield more consistent midrange times with appropriate gearing.
- Gearing and axle ratios: final-drive choices in the period varied from about 3.23 to 3.90, significantly affecting off-the-line acceleration and top speed.
- Tires and traction: pavement contact and grip—especially with wider rear tires—had a major impact on quarter-mile ETs.
- Vehicle weight and options: heavier or more option-laden cars carried more mass, which could blunt acceleration, while lighter, stripped models performed better in a straight line.
In practice, owners and historians emphasize that the Hemi Dart's speed was as much a function of preparation as of the engine itself. Even small changes in gearing or tire choice could move a car several tenths in the quarter-mile.
Historical Context and Legacy
The 1960s Muscle Car era defined Mopar’s performance image, and the Hemi Dart became a sought-after piece of that story. While not as famous as some flagship B-body machines, the Dart with a 426 Hemi demonstrated that a relatively compact platform could deliver serious straight‑line speed when equipped with the era’s biggest V8. Today, surviving examples are highly prized among collectors and drag enthusiasts for their power, rarity and classic 1960s styling.
Summary
The 1968 Hemi Dart delivered brisk acceleration, a sub-13-second quarter-mile potential, and top speeds in the 130–135 mph range under the right conditions. The exact numbers depended on the combination of transmission, gear ratios, weight, and tires. The model remains a notable chapter in Mopar’s muscle-car legacy, illustrating how Mopar’s compact cars could deliver impressive performance when equipped with the legendary 426 Hemi.
