How much horsepower does a 1969 Dodge Polara have?
The 1969 Dodge Polara offered several V8 powerplants, so horsepower ranged from about 230 horsepower with the base 318 engine to about 425 horsepower with the optional 426 Hemi. The exact figure depends on the engine installed and how horsepower was rated at the time.
Engine options and horsepower
The Polara's V8 lineup spanned small-block and big-block configurations. Below is a snapshot of the main engines and their horsepower figures as published in Dodge literature and contemporary road tests.
- 318 cubic-inch V8: roughly 230 horsepower in SAE net terms; a 4-barrel variant could push toward the mid-200s depending on configuration.
- 383 cubic-inch V8 (Magnum): about 335 horsepower gross; typically around 300–320 horsepower in SAE net ratings depending on exhaust and carburetion.
- 426 cubic-inch Hemi: 425 horsepower gross in most 1969 Polara applications; SAE net ratings generally around 390–420 horsepower depending on configuration and measurement.
These numbers reflect the era's dual rating systems and the effect of carburetion, exhaust, and drivetrain on reported horsepower. The presence of a 426 Hemi, for instance, is often cited as the Polara's most muscular option, while the base 318 emphasized everyday drivability.
Understanding horsepower ratings in 1969
Gross versus SAE net horsepower
During the late 1960s, manufacturers used different standards. Gross horsepower measured engine output with little accessory load, often yielding higher numbers. SAE net horsepower, which Dodge used for many consumer ratings, measured power with standard accessories and exhaust, producing lower figures. This discrepancy means a 426 Hemi could be listed as 425 hp gross but around 390–420 hp in net figures on window stickers and service literature.
Impact on performance and value
Horsepower alone doesn't tell the full story of a Polara's performance. Wheel torque, transmission choice (three- or four-speed manual, or Torqueflite automatic), rear-end gearing, and overall weight all influence acceleration and speed. For collectors, matching the exact engine option and its rating is key to authenticity and value.
In practice for the 1969 Polara, buyers selecting the top-end 426 Hemi would typically expect the strongest straight-line performance, while those choosing the 318 would have the most modest, but still bright, daily-driver capability.
Conclusion and takeaway
The 1969 Dodge Polara offered a spectrum of horsepower—from about 230 hp on the entry-level 318 V8 to 425 hp on the optional 426 Hemi. The actual power you read depends on the engine, carburetion, exhaust setup, and whether the rating is gross or net. For collectors and enthusiasts, verifying the exact configuration is essential to understanding a specific car's performance and historical context.
Summary: The Polara's horsepower varied widely with engine choice and rating method. Enduringly, the 426 Hemi stands out as the high-performance option at roughly 425 hp gross (and around 390–420 hp net in typical configurations), while the base 318 offered about 230 hp. The 383 Magnum sits in between with around 300–335 hp depending on measurement. Always check the car's documentation to confirm the original specification.
How much horsepower does a Dodge Polara have?
DODGE Polara 5.9
| ENGINE SPECS - 5.9 | |
|---|---|
| Cylinders: | V8 |
| Displacement: | 5916 cm3 |
| Power: | 220 KW @ 4600 RPM 299 HP @ 4600 RPM 295 BHP @ 4600 RPM |
| Torque: | 390 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM 529 Nm @ 2400 RPM |
What is the top speed of the 1969 Dodge Polara CHP?
The 1969 CHP Polara held the record on the Chrysler test track in Chelsea, Michigan, until 1994 for the highest top speed achieved by a factory-built four-door sedan - 149.6 miles per hour (241 km/h) until a 1994 Chevrolet Caprice broke the record with an LT1 engine.
What was the fastest quarter mile car in 1969?
The fastest quarter-mile car in 1969 was the 1969 Yenko Camaro 427 SYC, which ran the quarter mile in 12.59 seconds at 108.2 mph according to Super Stock & Drag Illustrated magazine's July 1969 issue. This custom, high-performance version of the Camaro was equipped with a 450-hp, 427 cubic inch big-block engine.
You can watch this video to learn more about the fastest muscle cars of 1969: 43sAmerican LegendsYouTube · May 26, 2025
- Yenko Camaro 427 SYC: This custom Camaro was modified by Don Yenko, a Chevrolet dealer, with a powerful 427 cubic inch V8 engine.
- Performance: It achieved a quarter-mile time of 12.59 seconds at 108.2 mph in a test by Super Stock & Drag Illustrated.
- Engine and Specs: The engine was rated at 425 horsepower with 460 lb-ft of torque.
How much horsepower does a 69 440 have?
Though the factory rated the HiPo 440 at 375 hp, this rating, like many of the day, was generally regarded as optimistic. Searching the factory info in some of the old racing bulletins, we find that even Chrysler considered the 375 horsepower rating as excessive.
