How many miles per gallon does a 1980 Dodge D150 get?
The 1980 Dodge D150 does not have a single miles-per-gallon figure. MPG depends on engine choice, transmission, and whether the truck is two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. In general, owners could expect roughly 12 to 22 miles per gallon, with real-world results varying by condition and use.
What drives the MPG numbers in a 1980 D150
To give readers a clearer sense of typical performance, here are the rough EPA-era ranges by configuration. These figures reflect historical estimates and real-world reports from the era, not a single universal value.
- Two-wheel drive with the 318-cubic-inch V8 (5.2 L), available with manual or automatic transmissions: approximately 15–18 mpg city and 20–22 mpg highway (combined around 18–20 mpg).
- Two-wheel drive with the 360-cubic-inch V8 (5.9 L): roughly 14–17 mpg city and 18–21 mpg highway (combined around 16–19 mpg).
- Two-wheel drive with the slant-6 inline-six (about 3.7 L): typically 17–20 mpg city and 21–25 mpg highway (combined around 20–23 mpg).
- Four-wheel drive variants: generally around 13–15 mpg city and 17–20 mpg highway (combined about 15–18 mpg).
Note: These ranges depend on factors such as gearing, drivetrain load, maintenance, tire size, and driving style. Real-world numbers for an aged, unmodified vehicle can vary significantly from these historical estimates.
Real-world considerations
Older Dodge D150s were designed for work capacity rather than fuel efficiency. Heavier payloads, frequent stop-and-go driving, and older carbureted engines typically reduce efficiency. A well-maintained engine, properly inflated tires, and conservative driving can help maximize miles per gallon, even in a classic truck.
Tips to maximize MPG on a vintage D150
Implementing straight-forward maintenance and driving practices can help squeeze more miles from a 1980 D150. The following list outlines practical steps owners could take.
- Keep engine tune-ups current: spark plugs, ignition timing, and carburetor or fuel-injection calibrations as appropriate for the engine.
- Maintain correct tire pressure and alignment to reduce rolling resistance.
- Remove unnecessary weight and minimize aerodynamic drag (roof racks, heavy payloads beyond need).
- Use recommended fluids and lubricants; ensure the transmission and differential are properly serviced to avoid excessive friction.
- Plan efficient routes and avoid frequent high-speed acceleration and excessive idling whenever possible.
- Consider tire choice and sizing within manufacturer recommendations, as oversized tires can increase rolling resistance and reduce MPG.
In practice, following these tips can help improve efficiency modestly, but fuel economy on a vintage pickup will always lag behind modern light-duty trucks.
Summary
The 1980 Dodge D150 offered several engines and drivetrains, so there isn’t a single MPG figure. Typical ranges depended on engine and drivetrain, with 2WD configurations generally delivering more favorable highway numbers and 4WD versions consuming more fuel. For most configurations, real-world MPG was commonly in the teens to low twenties, and prudent maintenance plus careful driving could help improve efficiency. When evaluating a specific truck, the best approach is to identify the exact engine, transmission, and drive configuration and consult vintage EPA estimates or owner-reported figures for that setup.
How many miles per gallon does a Dodge D150 get?
It get around 10 to 12 mpg. Truck is a very hard worker, its only a 1/2 ton but has hauled/towed whatever i put it up to.
What was the average MPG in 1980?
Table 4-23: Average Fuel Efficiency of U.S. Passenger Cars and Light Trucks
| 1980 | 1985 | |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic | 16.8 | 19.6 |
| Imported | 24.3 | 26.5 |
| CAFE standards (mpg)b (model year) | ||
| Passenger car | 20.0 | 27.5 |
What was the gas mileage on the 80s f150?
The truck's fuel economy only improved by 2 MPG from its launch up until the mid-1980s. Then, in 1987, with the launch of the F-Series' eighth generation, the truck's fuel economy jumped from 12 MPG to 16 MPG with a base 6-cylinder engine.
How many miles per gallon does a 1991 Dodge D150 get?
Fuel & MPG
| Cost to Drive | $514/mo |
|---|---|
| Fuel type | Regular unleaded |
| EPA city/highway MPG | 10/13 MPG |
