2013 Dodge Dart SXT Rallye Track Test

Edmunds.comEdmunds.com Member, Administrator, Moderator Posts: 10,316
edited September 2014 in Dodge

image2013 Dodge Dart SXT Rallye Track Test

We take our new long-term 2013 Dodge Dart SXT Rallye to the track to see what kind of numbers this turbocharged sedan can run.

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  • ed124ced124c Member Posts: 0
    1300 dollars for an 8.6 0-60? No thanks.

    I imagine it would get down to about 8 with the stick, making it more in line with other compacts with their STANDARD engines.
  • nismo2znismo2z Member Posts: 10
    Sounds like a junk car by this report. Tranny doesn't allow you to get to redline, shifts itself, can't go straight while braking, the brakes smell like a Honda's, rolls a lot, doesn't have good steering feel, lethargic off the line, etc.

    One plus: It's braking distances were consistent!
  • nismo2znismo2z Member Posts: 10
    Sounds like a junk car by this report. Tranny doesn't allow you to get to redline, shifts itself, can't go straight while braking, the brakes smell like a Honda's, rolls a lot, doesn't have good steering feel, lethargic off the line, etc.

    One plus: It's braking distances were consistent!
  • fordson1fordson1 Unconfirmed Posts: 1,512
    Looks like the Chevy Cruze LTZ test...both 3200-3300 lb. both have 1.4 liter turbocharged fours, both have pretty lackadaisical acceleration and still need premium fuel for best results.

    Sounds like a fairly loaded Focus would be a better deal - better handling and braking, a better dual-clutch (although still not great) automanual, and better engine performance.

    And because that better performance comes with the base engine, you get to spend your $1,300 on other options instead of paying that for an engine upgrade.
  • greenponygreenpony Member Posts: 531
    Sorry, but "push forward to downshift" is not correct for a street car. There are several reasons for this. 1. Intuition in Western society equates forward with positive. 2. With the PRNDL setup, lower gears are accessed by pulling the shift lever to the rear. Using a similar system for a manumatic gate reduces confusion. 3. In applications that use a throttle lever instead of a pedal (aircraft, lawn equipment) pushing the lever forward equates to higher speed, much like upshifting equates to higher speed. 4. The Dart is not a race car, nor does it utilize a sequential manual transmission. Pretending it does is just foolish.
  • corollamikecorollamike Member Posts: 29
    Would like to know why Edmunds believe any of us who would lay down $25k+ for a car would treat it in such a manner.

    Have you considered a real-world test? Good heavens, how is it to back into a parking space at the Save-Mart? Can it get out of its own way on a lonely road stuck behind a slow truck when a short space of passing lane becomes available? Can you convincingly hide that a-bit-oversize fuzzy toy you haply found for your daughter on the way home from work while picking up a quart of milk and a loaf of bread?

    You people went to "J-School", did you not? Expand your horizons, why don't you? You've rid yourselves (and us) of Inside Line, so, do us a favor, and speak to the rest of us who will NEVER abuse our cars at a test track.
  • jederinojederino Member Posts: 0
    No, please abuse the cars! Yes, take them to Save-Mart and try to fit a Chimenea in the trunk or back seat, or even a nursing chair. But by all means, abuse these cars. If they are junk for spirited driving, then fine - remind us of their good points.
  • stovt001_stovt001_ Member Posts: 799
    Oy, and the problem with putting the enthusiasts together with the appliance buyers finally rears its ugly head. The LT test is a thorough, comprehensive test of the vehicle, mostly of day-to-day livability, which no worries, we'll get plenty of, but also performance numbers. You want to know how well it will pass on the road? These numbers and the comments supporting them will give you a very good indication. If you actually read the rest of the LT test you'd realize they actually ARE speaking to you.
  • rdtigereysrdtigereys Member Posts: 1
    A pretty thorough test of the Dart's performance but I have one nagging question about the 1.4L turbo & turbos in general. Recommended fuel for these engines is usually premium. Which are you using? Is there any measurable difference running the different fuel as far as performance? Fuel economy? Assuming your using regular fuel, can you safely use it all the time? Void a warranty? Are knock sensors working overtime because of using the low octane gas? Are the sensors @ risk of premature failure from using regular fuel continually? Inquiring minds want to know. We're talking a big difference in cost for one fill up & over the life of the car.
  • kburgkburg Member Posts: 9
    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Engine_Manufacturing_Alliance#Tigershark

    Where are the 2.0 and 2.4 engines, and what are their comparative performance numbers?
  • maxx18maxx18 Member Posts: 7
    I really wanted to like this car when I first saw it. It seemed to have all the right elements of a great car. Yet, it seems to fall short in every meaningful way (not just performance.) It seems like they may need to go back to the drawing board on the transmission software, ESC and suspension tuning.
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