How much horsepower does a 1962 Dodge Dart have?
The 1962 Dodge Dart offered multiple engines, so horsepower ranged from about 100 hp in the base setup to roughly 180–235 hp in the higher-performance V8 configurations. The exact figure depended on which powertrain a buyer chose.
To understand the 1962 Dart’s performance, it helps to look at its engine lineup, how horsepower was rated at the time, and how those choices translated into on-road reality. In this era, Mopar offered a small inline-six as the entry point, with bigger six-cylinder options and V8s available for buyers seeking more speed and power. The result was a broad spectrum of output within a single model line.
Engine options available in 1962
These were the main powertrain choices Dodge offered for the Dart that year, with approximate horsepower figures depending on configuration and rating method.
- 170 cubic inch inline-six — about 101 horsepower (SAE net, in typical factory spec sheets)
- 225 cubic inch inline-six — about 145 horsepower (roughly mid-range for a larger six in the Dart family)
- 273 cubic inch V8 — about 180 horsepower with a 2-barrel carburetor, up to roughly 235 horsepower with a 4-barrel carburetor and higher compression
In practice, that range meant a Dart could be modestly quick with a six or deliver notably stronger acceleration with a V8 option, depending on the chosen setup and gearing.
How horsepower was measured in the 1960s
Horsepower figures from the early 1960s can be confusing because manufacturers used different rating standards. Some brochures quoted gross horsepower, which measured the engine’s output without any accessories, exhaust, or drivetrain losses. Others used net horsepower, which accounts for the real-world losses from accessories, the exhaust system, and the transmission. Chrysler’s own labeling and consumer materials sometimes aligned with one standard and not the other, making direct comparisons tricky.
- Gross horsepower often appeared larger because it didn’t account for accessories or drivetrain losses.
- Net horsepower attempted to reflect the engine’s usable output with standard road fixtures like a belts and alternator in place.
For researchers and restorers, this means identifying the exact engine code and the era’s rating method is important when reconstructing or validating performance figures for a 1962 Dodge Dart.
Collector considerations
Because the Dart’s horsepower varied by engine and by how ratings were published, prospective buyers and collectors should verify the specific motor in a given car. Engine codes, trim levels, and whether the car carries a 2-barrel or 4-barrel V8 option all influence the advertised power figure. Documentation from the era, including window stickers and build sheets, can help confirm the original output.
For restoration projects, matching the correct engine and carburetion can be essential to achieving period-correct performance and value. Car enthusiasts often prioritize original hardware and historically accurate ratings when assessing a 1962 Dodge Dart’s value and driving character.
Summary
In short, the 1962 Dodge Dart did not have a single fixed horsepower figure. Base models started around 100 hp with larger inline-sixes offering roughly 145 hp, while V8-equipped Darts ranged from about 180 hp up to the mid-200s horsepower under specific configurations. The exact number depends on the engine, carburetion, compression, and how horsepower was rated in the documentation you consult. For collectors, verifying the engine code and original specifications is key to understanding a particular Dart’s true performance character.
