Is the Dodge Dart front or rear wheel drive?
Historically, the Dodge Dart was rear-wheel drive in its classic 1960s–1970s form, while the modern model (2013–2016) was front-wheel drive. This article explains how drive layout varied across generations and what that means for owners and collectors.
Legacy Darts: Rear-Wheel Drive (1960s–1976)
During its early life, the Dodge Dart was built as a traditional rear-wheel-drive car, aligning with the common architecture of American sedans of the era.
Drivetrain fundamentals
Below are the core drivetrain traits that defined the classic Dodge Dart.
- Rear-wheel drive layout with a front-mounted engine
- Conventional body-on-frame or early unibody construction typical of the period
- Engine options included inline-sixes and V8s, offering a range of power levels
- Generally featured two- or four-corps configurations with a focus on hands-on performance
In summary, classic Darts were rear-wheel-drive cars, reflecting the prevailing design language of their era.
Modern Dodge Dart (2013–2016): Front-Wheel Drive
The 2013 Dart marked a shift to a front-wheel-drive compact platform, mirroring Chrysler’s adoption of Fiat-based engineering to improve efficiency and interior packaging. All models were front-wheel drive; there was no factory all-wheel-drive option.
Contemporary drivetrain layout and features
Below are the key attributes of the modern Dart's drivetrain and platform strategy.
- Front-wheel drive across all trims
- Based on a Fiat/Chrysler compact-car platform designed for efficient packaging and front-drive handling
- No official all-wheel-drive option offered for the Dart family
- Multiple inline-4 engine options paired with manual or automatic transmissions
In summary, the modern Dodge Dart is a front-drive compact car, contrasting with the rear-drive configuration of its classic predecessors.
Summary
The Dodge Dart’s drive layout depends on the generation: classic Darts (1960s–1976) were rear-wheel drive, while the 2013–2016 Dart used front-wheel drive with no AWD option. The difference highlights how automotive design priorities evolved across decades.
Is a 2013 Dodge Dart rear wheel drive?
The 2013 Dodge Dart is an all-new small sedan. It's a front-wheel-drive small sedan based on an Italian hatchback that's a pretty sharp contrast to the brawny V8-powered Chargers and Challengers the brand is most famous for.
What is the bad year for the Dodge Dart?
A: If you're considering purchasing a used Dodge Dart, it's best to steer clear of the 2013, 2014, and 2015 model years. These particular years have been known to have more reliability issues compared to the final model year.
What is a 1972 Dodge Dart worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $8,700 for a 1972 Dodge Dart in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1972 Dodge Dart? The highest selling price of a 1972 Dodge Dart at auction over the last three years was $26,400.
Is a Dodge Dart a front or rear wheel drive?
The Dodge Dart is a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle. It was built on an Italian-designed platform and front-wheel drive was the only option available for its entire production run.
- Drivetrain: All model years and trims of the modern Dodge Dart are front-wheel drive.
- Platform: The car's design was based on an Alfa Romeo platform, which was also front-wheel drive.
- Transmission options: You could get the Dart with a manual or automatic transmission, but both sent power to the front wheels.
