What is the top speed of a 1972 Dodge Challenger?
There isn’t a single top speed for the 1972 Challenger; depending on the engine and gearing, top speeds ranged from about 110–120 mph for base cars up to roughly 150 mph for the most powerful performance models.
This article breaks down how those speeds varied across the 1972 Challenger lineup and explains the key factors—engine choice, transmission, rear-axle gearing, and tires—that determined a Challenger’s final top-end performance in that year.
Powertrains and top-speed ranges
Before the figures, note that the numbers below are approximate maximum speeds achievable under favorable conditions and with correct equipment. Real-world results vary with tires, maintenance, aerodynamics, and road conditions.
- 318-cubic-inch V8 (common with a 2-barrel setup) — about 110–120 mph. These were the entry-level options, prioritizing driveability and efficiency over outright speed.
- 340-cubic-inch V8 — about 125–130 mph. A popular middle-ground choice offering stronger performance without sacrificing reliability.
- 383-cubic-inch V8 — about 130–140 mph. A common big-block alternative that balanced power with everyday usability.
- 440 Magnum V8 — about 140–150 mph. The top-performing engine in the standard Challenger lineup for 1972, especially when paired with performance gearing.
Conclusion for this section: The Challenger’s top speed increased with larger engines and sport-oriented gear ratios, but achieving the upper end of the range required optimal setup—especially proper rear-axle gearing and tires capable of handling the power.
Was the Hemi option offered in 1972?
Historical note
No. The 426 Hemi was not offered on the Dodge Challenger in 1972. The most powerful factory engine available that year was the 440 Magnum V8, and top-speed figures for 1972 Challenger R/T models with that engine typically fell in the 140–150 mph range under ideal conditions. Emissions regulations and market shifts in the early 1970s helped curb the availability of the Hemi across many Mopar models after the 1971 model year.
Summary
For the 1972 Dodge Challenger, top speed was not a single figure but a spectrum driven by engine choice and gearing. Base models with smaller V8s typically topped out around 110–120 mph, while the 440 Magnum-powered variants reached roughly 140–150 mph with the right setup. The rare Hemi option was not available in the 1972 Challenger, marking a shift in the high-performance Mopar lineup during that era. In practice, a buyer’s most important speed determinant was the combination of engine, transmission, rear-end ratio, and tires, rather than a single published number.
