Dodge D/W Series: Which Version to Choose?
The Dodge D/W Series in this catalogue is a Pickup single-cab produced from 1972 to 1980. The recorded range belongs to 3 generation and contains 9 versions built around three Gasoline engines: 3682 cc, 5210 cc, and 5898 cc. Every version has a front, longitudinal, naturally aspirated Carburetor engine and a 3-speed transmission.
The Dodge D/W Series in this catalogue is a Pickup single-cab produced from 1972 to 1980. The recorded range belongs to 3 generation and contains 9 versions built around three Gasoline engines: 3682 cc, 5210 cc, and 5898 cc. Every version has a front, longitudinal, naturally aspirated Carburetor engine and a 3-speed transmission. The main buying decisions are therefore engine output, Manual or Automatic transmission, and RWD or AWD.
Generation comparison
Only 1 generation is represented, so there is no earlier or later generation to compare. The 3 generation ran from 1972 to 1980 as a Pickup single-cab and includes all 9 recorded versions. The available data does not identify a restyling or describe changes within this production period.
Engine and specs
| Version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7 MT (RWD) | 107 hp | 245 Nm | 3682 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| 3.7 AT | 107 hp | 245 Nm | 3682 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 3.7 MT (AWD) | 107 hp | 245 Nm | 3682 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 3-speed Manual | AWD |
| 5.2 MT (RWD) | 152 hp | 312 Nm | 5210 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| 5.2 AT | 152 hp | 312 Nm | 5210 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5.2 MT (AWD) | 152 hp | 312 Nm | 5210 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Manual | AWD |
| 5.9 AT | 177 hp | 386 Nm | 5898 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5.9 MT (RWD) | 177 hp | 386 Nm | 5898 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| 5.9 MT (AWD) | 177 hp | 386 Nm | 5898 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Manual | AWD |
The three 3.7 MT and 3.7 AT entries use the same 3682 cc Inline 6 engine, producing 107 hp at 3600 rpm and 245 Nm at 2000 rpm. Its calculated specific output is approximately 29.1 hp per litre. All have 2 valves per cylinder, an 8.5 compression ratio, and an 86.4 × 104.8 bore and stroke. Choosing between them changes the transmission or drive system, not the stated engine output.
The 5.2 MT and 5.2 AT versions use a 5210 cc V-shaped 8 with 152 hp at 4000 rpm and 312 Nm at 2400 rpm. Specific output is approximately 29.2 hp per litre. These versions also have 2 valves per cylinder and an 8.5 compression ratio, while bore and stroke measure 99.3 × 84.1. Compared with any 3.7 version, a 5.2 provides 45 hp and 67 Nm more, increases displacement by 1528 cc, and keeps almost the same calculated power per litre.
The 5.9 AT and 5.9 MT versions have the strongest engine: a 5898 cc V-shaped 8 producing 177 hp at 4000 rpm and 386 Nm at 2400 rpm. Its calculated specific output is approximately 30.0 hp per litre. This engine has 2 valves per cylinder, an 8.4 compression ratio, and a 101.6 × 90.9 bore and stroke. Relative to the 5.2, it adds 25 hp and 74 Nm from an additional 688 cc. Relative to the 3.7, it adds 70 hp and 141 Nm.
Transmission and drive choice
A buyer who wants an Automatic can choose the RWD 3.7 AT, 5.2 AT, or 5.9 AT. These preserve the full stated output of their corresponding engines: 107 hp and 245 Nm, 152 hp and 312 Nm, or 177 hp and 386 Nm.
The Manual range is broader. The 3.7 MT, 5.2 MT, and 5.9 MT are each recorded in both RWD and AWD form. Because identical engine outputs are listed for the two drive configurations, the choice between RWD and AWD does not alter the catalogue power or torque figures. No Automatic AWD version appears in the supplied data.
Performance and economy
For every 3.7 MT, 3.7 AT, 5.2 MT, 5.2 AT, 5.9 AT, and 5.9 MT configuration, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is not measured and top speed is not measured. A performance ranking based on acceleration or maximum speed therefore cannot be made from the available figures.
City fuel consumption, highway fuel consumption, and combined fuel consumption are not measured for every version. CO₂ output and eco class are also not measured. Consequently, the data does not support an mpg or running-cost comparison between the 3682 cc, 5210 cc, and 5898 cc engines.
Dimensions and weight
Kerb weight and gross weight are not measured for any version, so weight per horsepower cannot be calculated. Ground clearance, fuel-tank capacity, and wheel sizes are also not measured across the range.
The suspension data distinguishes the engines. Every version has Independent, spring front suspension. The 3.7 MT and 3.7 AT entries have Independent, leaf spring rear suspension, whereas every 5.2 MT, 5.2 AT, 5.9 AT, and 5.9 MT entry has Dependent, leaf spring rear suspension. All versions use Disc front brakes and Drum rear brakes.
Which Dodge D/W Series version should you buy?
Choose a 3.7 MT if the lowest-output engine is sufficient and you want a Manual with either RWD or AWD. Both drive choices deliver 107 hp and 245 Nm. Choose the 3.7 AT when Automatic and RWD are the priority; it has the same engine output as both 3.7 MT configurations.
The 5.2 versions provide the middle ground. A 5.2 MT or 5.2 AT raises output to 152 hp and 312 Nm, gains 45 hp and 67 Nm over the 3.7, and avoids the final 688 cc step to the 5.9. The 5.2 AT combines this engine with Automatic and RWD, while the 5.2 MT offers a choice of RWD or AWD.
Choose a 5.9 version when the highest stated output matters most. The 5.9 AT suits an Automatic and RWD requirement, while the 5.9 MT offers either RWD or AWD. All three deliver 177 hp and 386 Nm—the maximum figures in the recorded range.
The extra money cannot be assessed because prices are not provided. What the larger engines buy in measurable terms is clear: the 5.2 adds 45 hp and 67 Nm over the 3.7, while the 5.9 adds a further 25 hp and 74 Nm over the 5.2. Fuel consumption, acceleration, top speed, and vehicle weight are not measured, so none of those missing figures should be used to claim that one version is quicker, more economical, or better at carrying weight.