Dodge 600

Dodge 600: Which Version to Buy and Why

The Dodge 600 was offered as a Sedan in a single generation from 1983 to 1988, with eight listed versions. The main buying decision is between the 2.2 MT and 2.2 AT with either 84 hp or 146 hp, the 100 hp 2.5 MT and 2.5 AT, and the 131 hp 2.6 MT and 2.6 AT.

The Dodge 600 was offered as a Sedan in a single generation from 1983 to 1988, with eight listed versions. The main buying decision is between the 2.2 MT and 2.2 AT with either 84 hp or 146 hp, the 100 hp 2.5 MT and 2.5 AT, and the 131 hp 2.6 MT and 2.6 AT. Every version has Gasoline power, an Inline 4-cylinder engine, FWD, 125 mm of ground clearance, independent spring front suspension, and front disc brakes. The 146 hp 2.2 versions provide the strongest output and the best power per litre, while the 2.5 versions are the only ones with a measured torque figure and specified engine speeds for both power and torque.

Dodge 600 generations and version choices

The 1 generation ran from 1983 to 1988 as a Sedan and contains eight versions. There is no second generation to compare, so choosing a Dodge 600 means comparing engines, power outputs, fuel systems, boost, and transmissions within this one generation. Each engine choice is available with a 5-speed Manual or a 3-speed Automatic transmission.

The repeated version names require attention. The naturally aspirated 2.2 MT and 2.2 AT produce 84 hp, whereas the turbocharged 2.2 MT and 2.2 AT produce 146 hp. The power figure is therefore essential when distinguishing the two pairs.

Dodge 600 engine and specs comparison

All engines use 2 valves per cylinder. The 84 hp and 146 hp 2213 cc engines use a Carburetor, while the 2501 cc and 2600 cc engines use Distributed injection (multi-point).

The 84 hp 2.2 MT and 2.2 AT have an 87.5 × 92 mm bore and stroke; their compression ratio is not measured. The 146 hp 2.2 MT and 2.2 AT retain the 87.5 × 92 mm dimensions and have a 9.5 compression ratio. The 2.5 MT and 2.5 AT use 87.5 × 104 mm dimensions and a 9 compression ratio. The 2.6 MT and 2.6 AT use 91.1 × 98 mm dimensions and a 9.2 compression ratio.

Power per litre: which Dodge 600 engine is strongest?

Calculated from the stated displacement and power, the 146 hp 2.2 MT and 2.2 AT deliver approximately 66.0 hp per litre. That is the highest specific output in the range. Their advantage over the 84 hp 2.2 versions is 62 hp, or approximately 73.8%, without an increase in the stated 2213 cc displacement. The key mechanical distinction in the supplied specifications is Turbo rather than No boost.

The 2.6 MT and 2.6 AT produce approximately 50.4 hp per litre. They have 31 hp more than the 2.5 MT and 2.5 AT, an increase of 31%, while displacement rises by 99 cc. Compared with the 84 hp 2.2 versions, the 131 hp 2.6 versions add 47 hp, although displacement increases by 387 cc.

The 2.5 MT and 2.5 AT produce approximately 40.0 hp per litre. Their 100 hp output is 16 hp above that of the naturally aspirated 2.2 MT and 2.2 AT, while their measured torque is 22 Nm higher: 183 Nm rather than 161 Nm. Displacement increases by 288 cc.

The naturally aspirated 84 hp 2.2 MT and 2.2 AT produce approximately 38.0 hp per litre. These are the least powerful choices, but their 161 Nm torque figure is measured, unlike the torque of the turbocharged 2.2 and the 2.6 versions.

Dodge 600 performance, mpg, and economy

Acceleration from 0–100 km/h is not measured for the 2.2 MT, 2.2 AT, 2.5 MT, 2.5 AT, 2.6 MT, or 2.6 AT in any listed power output. Top speed is also not measured for every version.

City fuel consumption is not measured for all eight versions. Highway fuel consumption is not measured, and combined fuel consumption is not measured. Consequently, no evidence-based Dodge 600 mpg comparison can be made from the available specifications.

The 146 hp 2.2 MT and 2.2 AT specify Gasoline, 95. The 2.5 MT and 2.5 AT specify Gasoline, 92. A fuel grade is not measured for the 84 hp 2.2 MT and 2.2 AT or for the 2.6 MT and 2.6 AT. These fuel labels do not establish consumption or running cost.

Dodge 600 dimensions, weight, and clearance

Kerb weight is not measured for any version, and gross weight is not measured. A weight-per-horsepower comparison therefore cannot be calculated reliably.

Ground clearance is 125 mm for all eight versions, so clearance does not distinguish one Dodge 600 version from another. Fuel-tank capacity is not measured for any version, and wheel sizes are not measured. Overall body dimensions are not measured in the supplied data.

Every version has independent spring front suspension and front disc brakes. Rear-suspension and rear-brake specifications are not measured. Because the chassis information is identical or unavailable across the range, the useful comparison centers on engine output, torque, boost, fuel system, and transmission.

Manual or Automatic: what does the transmission choice buy?

The 2.2 MT, 2.5 MT, and 2.6 MT versions use a 5-speed Manual transmission. Their corresponding 2.2 AT, 2.5 AT, and 2.6 AT versions use a 3-speed Automatic transmission. Choosing Manual adds two forward gears over Automatic in every engine and power pairing.

No power difference is stated between equivalent Manual and Automatic versions. The 84 hp 2.2 MT and 2.2 AT both produce 84 hp and 161 Nm. The 146 hp 2.2 MT and 2.2 AT both produce 146 hp, with torque not measured. The 2.5 MT and 2.5 AT both produce 100 hp and 183 Nm. The 2.6 MT and 2.6 AT both produce 131 hp, with torque not measured.

Acceleration, top speed, fuel consumption, and weight are not measured, so the data cannot support a claim that either gearbox is quicker, more economical, or lighter. The defensible choice is therefore based on transmission format alone: 5-speed Manual or 3-speed Automatic.

Dodge 600 reliability and problems

Reliability records and known-problem data are not provided, so no version can be declared more reliable. The specifications do show meaningful mechanical differences: the 84 hp and 146 hp 2.2 engines use a Carburetor, the 2.5 and 2.6 engines use Distributed injection (multi-point), and only the 146 hp 2.2 engine uses Turbo. Those differences should not be converted into reliability claims without measurements or service-history data.

Which Dodge 600 version should you buy?

Choose the 2.2 MT (146 hp) if maximum stated output, maximum power per litre, and a 5-speed Manual are the priorities. It produces 146 hp from 2213 cc, approximately 66.0 hp per litre, and leads the 131 hp 2.6 MT by 15 hp despite having 387 cc less displacement. Its torque, acceleration, top speed, and fuel consumption are not measured.

Choose the 2.2 AT (146 hp) for the same 146 hp Turbo engine with a 3-speed Automatic. It has the highest output among the Automatic choices, exceeding the 2.6 AT by 15 hp, the 2.5 AT by 46 hp, and the naturally aspirated 2.2 AT by 62 hp.

Choose the 2.6 MT or 2.6 AT if you want the strongest naturally aspirated option. Both produce 131 hp from 2600 cc, approximately 50.4 hp per litre. The 2.6 is 31 hp stronger than the 2.5 and 47 hp stronger than the 84 hp 2.2. Its torque figure is not measured.

Choose the 2.5 MT or 2.5 AT if a measured torque specification matters. Both deliver 183 Nm at 2800 rpm and 100 hp at 4800 rpm. They also specify Gasoline, 92 and Distributed injection (multi-point). Compared with the naturally aspirated 84 hp 2.2 pair, the 2.5 pair provides 16 additional horsepower and 22 additional Newton-metres.

Choose the 2.2 MT (84 hp) or 2.2 AT (84 hp) only when the lowest stated engine output suits the requirement. Both produce 84 hp and 161 Nm from 2213 cc, use a Carburetor, and have No boost. The MT supplies a 5-speed Manual, while the AT supplies a 3-speed Automatic.

On the available numbers, the 2.2 MT (146 hp) is the clearest performance-oriented selection, the 2.6 MT is the strongest naturally aspirated Manual, and the 2.5 MT offers the most completely measured power-and-torque specification. Buyers who require an Automatic can make the same engine comparison among the corresponding 2.2 AT, 2.5 AT, and 2.6 AT versions without any stated reduction in engine output.