How many miles per gallon does a 1972 Dodge D100 get?
In short: A 1972 Dodge D100 generally gets about 18–22 miles per gallon on the highway with the straight-six engines, while V8 versions usually fall in the 14–18 mpg range. Real-world numbers vary based on engine, transmission, gearing, and condition.
The 1972 Dodge D100, a half-ton pickup from Dodge’s D-series, offered a mix of inline-six and small V8 powerplants. Fuel economy in that era depended heavily on the engine choice, the drivetrain configuration, and how the truck was used. The following overview provides typical ranges based on common configurations and operating conditions.
Engine options and their impact on mpg
These mpg ranges reflect typical performance across common transmissions and setups for the 1972 D100. Actual mileage depends on maintenance, payload, tire size, and driving habits.
- Inline-6 198 cu in (3.25 L) — highway: 18–22 mpg; combined: 16–20 mpg; city: 12–15 mpg.
- Inline-6 225 cu in (3.68 L) Slant-six — highway: 18–22 mpg; combined: 16–19 mpg; city: 12–15 mpg.
- V8 318 cu in (5.2 L) — highway: 17–20 mpg; combined: 14–17 mpg; city: 12–14 mpg.
- V8 360 cu in (5.9 L) — highway: 15–18 mpg; combined: 13–16 mpg; city: 11–13 mpg.
These figures are historical estimates typical for early-1970s pickups with similar powertrains and gearing. Real-world results can vary significantly based on drivetrain (manual vs. automatic), rear axle ratio, and maintenance.
Driving conditions and maintenance influence
Beyond engine choice, several factors can swing miles per gallon for a 1972 D100. Understanding these helps explain why two trucks with the same engine might show different fuel economy.
- Engine condition and tune — a well-maintained, properly tuned engine runs more efficiently.
- Transmission and gearing — manual vs. automatic transmissions and rear-end gear ratios affect effective highway efficiency.
- Tire size and inflation — oversized or underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce mpg.
- Payload and towing — carrying heavy loads or towing reduces highway mpg noticeably.
- Driving speed and terrain — higher speeds and hilly terrain lower efficiency; steady, moderate cruising helps.
- Fuel quality and octane — using appropriate fuels and maintaining fuel systems can impact efficiency.
In practice, a D100 in good tune with a six-cylinder engine is likely to show better highway efficiency than the V8 counterparts, particularly when not hauling payloads. However, weight, road conditions, and driving style remain decisive.
Historical context and reliability
Fuel economy standards in the 1970s were beginning to tighten, but pickups generally lagged behind passenger cars. The D100’s design prioritized durability and payload over fuel efficiency, meaning mileage figures reflect early-70s engineering rather than modern standards. Restored or well-maintained examples can perform better than their worn-out counterparts, but mileage will still vary with engine choice and usage patterns.
Summary: The 1972 Dodge D100 offered several engine options, with six-cylinder models delivering higher highway mpg (roughly 18–22) and V8 versions typically lower (roughly 14–18). Real-world mileage depends on engine, transmission, gearing, payload, and maintenance, making exact figures variable across the fleet.
How much horsepower does a 1972 Dodge Dart 340 have?
1972: THE END OF THE DODGE DEMON
Electronic ignition was made available in '72, but the bad news for performance-lovers that second year was the lowering of compression (dropped to 8.5:1) and the use of 360 heads (smaller intake valves) on the 340 engine. Power was downgraded to 240 hp.
How many miles per gallon does a 1972 Beetle get?
A 1972 VW Beetle typically gets around 24-28 miles per gallon (mpg), though this can vary significantly based on driving conditions, engine condition, and driving style. Some sources suggest a range of 20-25 mpg for the standard model, while others report higher figures, closer to 30 mpg, especially for the Super Beetle with its 1.6L engine, according to National Museum of American History and others.
- Typical range: Most owners and sources report a range of 24 to 28 mpg for a well-maintained 1972 Beetle.
- Driving conditions: Driving style is a major factor; aggressive driving can lower the mpg, while steady, conservative driving on the highway can result in higher mileage.
- Engine: The standard 1600cc engine is the most common, and its condition affects fuel economy. Some sources note that a poorly tuned engine or frequent short trips can significantly reduce mpg.
- Super Beetle: The Super Beetle model could get approximately 25 mpg, and some drivers report achieving higher mileage with careful driving.
How many miles per gallon does a 1972 Jeep Commando get?
Fuel economy for the 1972 Jeep Commando was typical for an off-road SUV of its time, with the inline-six engine averaging around 12-14 miles per gallon (mpg). The V8 engine was thirstier, with fuel consumption dropping to around 10-12 mpg.
How much is a 1972 Dodge D100 worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $13,125 for a 1972 Dodge D100 Adventurer in good condition with average spec.
