How many miles per gallon does a 1983 Dodge 400 get?
The typical fuel economy for a 1983 Dodge 400 is not a single fixed number; most well-maintained examples from that era average roughly 25 miles per gallon combined, with highway mileage often in the upper 20s toward 30 mpg depending on the configuration and driving conditions.
Understanding how MPG applies to this classic model
Fuel economy for a 1983 Dodge 400 depends on several variables from the era. Data published at the time varied by engine choice, transmission, and the car’s overall condition. Because the model year sits in a transitional period for American cars, there isn’t one universal figure that covers all trims or configurations.
Engine options and transmissions
The mpg you see in practice is heavily influenced by the engine size and type, as well as whether the car used a manual or an automatic transmission. In early 1980s Dodge vehicles, smaller inline engines paired with automatic transmissions tended to produce better city mpg, while highway efficiency could vary with gearing and weight.
- Engine displacement and design affect fuel usage: smaller, efficient engines generally yield higher mpgs than larger V6 or V8 options from that era.
- Transmission choice matters: manual transmissions often delivered different efficiency profiles than automatics under similar driving conditions.
- Drivetrain layout and weight distribution influence rolling resistance and engine load, impacting mpg.
- Maintenance and condition: fuel economy declines if the engine is out of tune, the air filter is dirty, or tires are underinflated.
- Tire size, aerodynamics, and driving style (aggressive acceleration, frequent stops) can swing mpg by several miles per gallon.
Because of these variables, there isn’t a single “official” MPG figure that applies to every 1983 Dodge 400. Real-world results depend on the specific build and how well the car is cared for.
How to estimate MPG for a specific 1983 Dodge 400 today
To get a practical sense of fuel economy for a particular car, use a careful, repeatable method and consider the car’s exact specification and condition.
- Identify the exact engine and transmission in the vehicle (VIN decoding, build sheet, or owner documents help confirm the specs).
- Consult any period brochures or the era’s fueleconomy.gov data for the specific configuration, recognizing that records may be incomplete for some trims.
- Perform a fill-to-fill fuel economy test: fill the tank to the same level, drive a measured distance, refill, and divide miles driven by gallons used.
- Account for driving style and maintenance: a calm, steady-cruise on highways will typically yield better results than urban stop-and-go driving in a car of this era.
In practical terms, owners and restorers often report that the 1983 Dodge 400’s combined mpg sits in the mid-20s, with highway figures creeping toward the upper 20s or around 30 mpg when the car is well-tuned and driven on level roads.
Summary
Bottom line: The 1983 Dodge 400 does not have a single, universal MPG figure. Fuel economy varies with engine and transmission choices, maintenance, and driving conditions. For a precise estimate, identify the exact configuration of your car and perform a controlled fill-to-fill measurement, while recognizing that historical data from this era can be spotty. If you’re researching for a restoration or purchase, consult period literature and trusted databases, and consider testing the car under your typical driving conditions.
How big is the gas tank on a 1983 Dodge Ramcharger?
Steering column lock discourages theft. Big 35-gallon fuel tank is standard for a long driving range per tankful of gas.
What is a 1983 D150 worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $12,400 for a 1983 Dodge D150 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec.
How many miles per gallon does a 1983 240d get?
The 1983 Mercedes-Benz 240D typically gets about 28 MPG combined (28 city, 34 highway). However, depending on driving conditions, maintenance, and transmission, fuel economy can range from approximately 25 MPG to over 30 MPG. A well-tuned manual transmission model is reported to achieve up to 35 MPG, while an automatic version gets around 28 MPG.
You can watch this video for a retro review of the 1983 Mercedes-Benz 240D, which discusses its fuel economy: 50sMotorWeekYouTube · Oct 14, 2021
- Combined: Approximately 282828 MPG.
- City: Around 282828 MPG.
- Highway: Around 343434 MPG.
- Manual Transmission: A well-tuned manual can achieve up to 353535 MPG.
- Automatic Transmission: An automatic version gets about 282828 MPG.
What year did Dodge make the 400 engine?
1972
The 400 cu in (6.6 L) B engine was introduced in 1972 to replace the venerable 383, and were power-rated via the net (installed) method. Chrysler increased the bore size of the 383 to create the 400.
