How much horsepower does a 1972 Dodge Dart 340 have?
The 1972 Dodge Dart 340 produced about 240 horsepower in SAE net terms, with roughly 360 lb-ft of torque, though exact figures could vary by trim, emission controls, and drivetrain configuration.
To understand that figure, it helps to consider how horsepower was rated in the era, which Dart models carried the 340 small-block, and how restorations or condition can affect measured output today. The following provides a concise look at the engine, the rating system of the time, and what enthusiasts typically cite when discussing this classic Mopar muscle car.
Engine overview and horsepower context
The 340 cubic inch (5.6 liter) V8 was Mopar’s punchy small-block option for the Dodge Dart lineup in the early 1970s. In 1972, the 340 was typically equipped with a 4-barrel carburetor and delivered a rating that reflected SAE net horsepower, a standard that took into account the car’s full operating system, exhaust, and accessories of the day. This produced a figure around 240 hp, paired with torque in the neighborhood of 360 lb-ft. As with many vintage engines, the exact numbers could vary by model year, trim, emission equipment, and the specific drivetrain pairing (manual vs. automatic transmission, rear axle ratio, and exhaust setup).
How horsepower was measured in 1972
In 1972, the automotive industry used SAE net horsepower ratings rather than the earlier gross ratings. Net ratings accounted for accessories and emissions equipment, which generally reduced the number compared with gross figures. For Mopar’s 340 in the Dodge Dart lineup, this meant figures around 240 hp rather than the higher gross numbers seen in earlier decades. Torque figures (often cited around 360 lb-ft) were likewise reported on a net basis and could vary with exhaust configuration and state of tune.
Below are the core specifications most commonly cited for the 340 V8 as installed in the 1972 Dart lineup.
- Displacement: 340 cubic inches (5.6 L)
- Configuration: small-block V8 with 4-barrel carburetion
- Horsepower: 240 hp SAE net
- Torque: approximately 360 lb-ft
- Compression ratio: roughly 9.0:1 (varied by build and emissions equipment)
- Common drivetrains: available with 3-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmissions
In practice, the advertised numbers reflect the rating system of the era and the Dart’s particular build. Restored or well-tuned engines can produce outputs that resemble the original performance, but individual cars may show variation based on condition, exhaust setup, and other modifications.
Impact on performance and what it means today
For enthusiasts, the 340’s roughly 240 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque signaled strong performance for a mid-sized pony car of the early 1970s, especially when paired with the Dart’s lighter weight and available automatic or manual transmissions. Today, owners and restorers often focus on authenticity of carburetion, exhaust, and ignition timing to reproduce the vintage driving experience, rather than chasing modern horsepower numbers. Real-world feel—acceleration, gearing, and gearing ratios—can differ significantly based on the car’s condition and any upgrades made since new.
Historical context and model availability
During the 1972 model year, the 340 V8 signaled Mopar’s mid-range performance thrust within the Dodge Dart family. The engine was offered in several Dart trims and variants, including sporty and performance-oriented models, and it remained a popular choice among buyers seeking a balance of power and practicality before tightening emissions regulations of the era curtailed peak outputs.
Summary
The 1972 Dodge Dart 340 arrived with a 340 cubic inch V8 rated at about 240 horsepower (SAE net) and around 360 lb-ft of torque, reflecting the era’s net-rating standards and Mopar’s tuning for performance within emission-compliant setups. While precise numbers can vary by model and condition, this figure remains the widely cited baseline for enthusiasts and historians studying the Dart 340 in its original configuration. For today’s collectors, authenticity and mechanical condition often matter as much as the exact horsepower tag, shaping how these cars are experienced on the road and in restoration.
