What engine came in a 1965 Dodge Dart?
The 1965 Dodge Dart’s base engine was the 170 cubic inch inline-six (slant-six); buyers could also opt for a larger slant-six or one of several V8s depending on trim and options.
Engine options for the 1965 Dodge Dart
Below is a snapshot of the engines commonly available across the 1965 Dart lineup, noting that exact selections varied by model and body style.
- 170 cubic inch inline-six (slant-six) — standard engine across most Dart models
- 198 cubic inch inline-six (slant-six) — a larger slant-six offered on some Dart variants
- 273 cubic inch V8 — a small-block V8 option available in multiple Dart configurations
- 318 cubic inch V8 — another V8 option used on select Dart models
In addition to these powerplants, transmission choices varied by year and trim, with manual and automatic options pairing with the available engines.
Context and impact
The engine lineup for the 1965 Dart reflected Mopar’s strategy in the mid-1960s to provide affordable, dependable transportation with growing performance options. The combination of a compact chassis with a range of six- and eight-cylinder engines allowed buyers to tailor the Dart to everyday driving or more spirited use, depending on the cost and desired horsepower.
Summary
In short, the 1965 Dodge Dart offered a base 170 cu in slant-six, with optional upgauge slant-six and V8 engines (273 and 318 cu in) to suit different budgets and performance desires. The exact engine configuration depended on the Dart’s trim level and body style.
