1979 Dodge Dart SE from Mexico - Comments

The timing of the engine (which is a 360) is difficult to set.

Some rattle in the interior (dashboard and seats)

Extremely high fuel consumption (you can have a picture: it is pretty much the same engine used by the higher version of the Durango)

One reliable car, even though its age it stills run better than some newer models.

It is one great experience driving it: comfortable, big enough for 6 passsngers and above all, you feel that you are protected by an old-fashion metal sheet (not like those of new cars, of thin metal or even fiberglass).

Actually, just so you don't get a big head and think you're invincible in your car of "thick sheets of metal" and get in a crash-Old cars are a lot less safe. Think about it:

No airbags

No crumple zones to lessen the impact on you

Windows that shatter in your face either in shards or small crystals, but either way they still break all over you

Seat belt technology not as good as newer cars

Many other things that make older cars less safe than newer cars.

Now the upside of older cars is if you rear end someone or they rear end you, Your car won't be all smashed up from a 3 m.p.h "tap" like a newer car would be because they are made of plastic. But any impact above maybe 10 or 15 m.p.h. is much less safe in an older car than in a newer car.

It's a common misconception.

One thing I have to say about old cars and accidents:

A friend of mine had a 1967 mustang with a few upgrades to the body (minor things) to make it more stable and a bit stronger, and he T-Boned some new Japanese car that was participated in a street race, at about 70mph (average speed of both cars) and the steel mustang just kinda stuck in the plastic tuner like a knife into butter. Very little visual damage to the car compared to other accidents at this speed. As a side note I would like to add that I don't advice or suggest testing this as both people where hurt pretty bad, but the safety of each car is almost equal due to different construction.

There is no way that a 1967 model vehicle is equally as safe as a new car.

The front of the Mustang hit the side of the other car, what did you expect?

Wow, I didn't know that Darts ever came with a 360. I was thinking about why you found it so difficult to time. If you use a timing light, it should be pretty standard if you watch the notch on the harmonic balancer and the marks on the timing chain cover. I'm guessing it should be timed at about 5° BTDC. It might be difficult to keep it in time, or it might go out of time, if the timing chain is loose and jumps, or if the distributor shaft is worn and is precessing around. Also, the oil pump drive shaft could be worn or its bushing could be worn, which could cause the distributor shaft to wander. The small-block Dodge is a great engine, and should last a long, long time. I agree, the Dart is a pretty good car even after nearly 30 years. I still saw them being used as the most popular taxi in Bolivia. They are simple and easy to keep running.

The Dart was used in Mexico and S America on the Car we called Diplomat/Lebaron. The A Body Darts ended in 1978.

I own a 1979 Dodge dart and I have to say that they are very comfortable, solid, reliable and well made cars. Mine never has broken down on the road or give me any kind of trouble. My brother owns a 1976 Ford Maverick, and when I compare them, I can see that Chrysler cars were better made and designed than Fords or Chevys back in those times. Besides, the 225 slant six is a real beast of burden.