What is the difference between the Coronet 440 and 500?
The Coronet 500 is the higher-trim version of Dodge’s Coronet lineup, while the Coronet 440 sits one step below as the more affordable or mid-range choice. In general, the 500 offers more standard equipment, nicer interior materials, and more chrome/trim, with broader option availability; the 440 tends to be plainer and priced lower. Exact differences varied by model year and body style, so a year-by-year brochure is the best reference for precise details.
Overview of the trim hierarchy and what it typically included
The Coronet 500 usually occupied the top tier within the Coronet family, while the 440 represented a more economical mid-range option. Across generations, this pattern translated into more chrome, upgraded upholstery, and additional features on the 500, with the 440 offering simpler interior finishes and fewer standard amenities. Engine options could overlap, but the 500 typically had access to more powerful configurations or combinations available through the era’s option sheets.
Below is a snapshot of the most common distinctions you would see when comparing the two trims. The exact equipment varied by year, body style, and regional market.
- Trim positioning: 500 is the higher-level trim; 440 sits below as a more affordable mid-range option.
- Exterior styling: 500 models often featured more chrome, brighter trim accents, and distinct badging.
- Interior and comfort: 500 generally offered upgraded upholstery, nicer dashboards, and higher-grade materials.
- Equipment and options: 500 frequently included more standard features or higher-option packages (such as radios, heaters, and other conveniences) than the 440, which could have these items as add-ons.
- Powertrain options: Engine availability could differ by year, with the 500 more likely to offer higher-performance choices within the Coronet lineup.
- Pricing and market positioning: The 500 carried a higher price tag reflecting its premium trim status, while the 440 was priced to appeal to buyers seeking a balanced package.
- Body styles and availability: Both trims appeared across comparable body styles in a given year, but availability could vary by market and option packages.
Concluding this comparison, the principal distinction is a matter of trim level and associated equipment. The Coronet 500 is the better-equipped, more premium version of the Coronet line, while the Coronet 440 offers a more economical arrangement with fewer standard features. Engine options tended to overlap, but the 500 often had access to more powerful configurations depending on the year and package.
Year-by-year context
Because Dodge refreshed trim names, features, and options across model years, the exact differences between the 440 and 500 shifted over time. For precise specifications, consult the specific model year brochures, dealer catalogs, or archived factory literature for the year and market you’re researching.
Summary
In short, the Coronet 500 is the higher-trim, more feature-rich variant of the Coronet lineup, with more chrome, upgraded interiors, and broader option availability, while the Coronet 440 is the more affordable, simpler alternative. The exact differences depend on the year and body style, so verifying a particular model year is needed for precise details.
