Which Dodge Dart has the most horsepower?
The most horsepower a Dodge Dart has ever offered depends on the era: in the modern 2013–2016 Dart, the ceiling is 184 horsepower from the 2.4-liter Tigershark engine; in the classic late-1960s Darts, a high-performance 440 cubic-inch V8 with a Six-Pack setup produced roughly 390 horsepower, depending on the year and configuration.
Modern era: 2013–2016 Dodge Dart
Engine options and horsepower
When Dodge relaunched the Dart in the mid-2010s, it came with a few four-cylinder engines, with horsepower figures that varied by trim and year. The strongest option was the 2.4-liter Tigershark I4, which delivered 184 horsepower. Other available engines were the 2.0-liter Tigershark and the 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo, both producing significantly less power. The Dart was marketed more for efficiency and handling than outright horsepower, and production ended in 2016.
Before listing the key modern options, note that horsepower can vary slightly by transmission and market, but the 184 hp figure is the official high-water mark for the modern Dart lineup.
- 2.0-liter Tigershark I4 — about 160 horsepower
- 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo I4 — about 160 horsepower
- 2.4-liter Tigershark I4 — 184 horsepower
In short, for the contemporary Dodge Dart, 184 horsepower represents the peak figure the factory offered during its brief modern run.
Classic era highlights: late 1960s Dodge Darts
High-performance configurations
In the muscle-car era, the Dart line included several high-performance variants. The performance pinnacle for the Dart was achieved with large-block V8 options and “Six-Pack” carburetion on some 440-cubic-inch engines, commonly associated with the GTS models and certain Swinger/GT packages. These setups typically produced around 390 horsepower in gross ratings, with exact output varying by year, configuration, and testing methodology.
Before detailing the most powerful classic variants, it’s important to understand that late-1960s horsepower figures were often quoted in gross terms (before drivetrain and emission losses) and could differ from later SAE net ratings. The key takeaway is that a late-1960s 440-equipped Dart could reach roughly 390 horsepower, making it the performance apex of the Dart lineup in that era.
- Dodge Dart GTS with 440 cu in V8 and Six-Pack carburetion — approximately 390 horsepower (gross rating), depending on year and options
- Dodge Dart Swinger/GT variants offered with big-block V8s (e.g., 383 or 440 options) — horsepower generally in the 335–390 range depending on configuration
These classic figures reflect a period when Mopar offered several high-performance Dart choices that could significantly surpass the modern 184 hp ceiling. The exact horsepower depended on year, carburetion setup, and whether the engine carried a Six-Pack configuration or other performance packages.
Bottom line
Across its history, the Dodge Dart’s horsepower ceiling has moved dramatically with design priorities. The modern Dart maxes out at 184 hp, reflecting efficiency and emissions standards. The late 1960s Darts, by contrast, could be configured with a 440 cubic-inch V8 delivering roughly 390 horsepower, representing the model’s performance peak.
Summary
In short, if you’re asking which Dodge Dart has the most horsepower, the answer depends on the era. The modern 2013–2016 Dart tops out at 184 horsepower, while the late-1960s Dart GTS/440 Six-Pack variants offered around 390 horsepower, making them the horsepower leaders in the Dart lineage. The model’s evolution shows a shift from raw power to efficiency and handling over its production run.
