Dodge Diplomat
The quintessential American police cruiser and M-body workhorse of the 1980s.
- Power
- 145 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 12.5 s
- Top speed
- 109 mph
- Est. value
- $4k–$15k
About the Dodge Diplomat
The 1982 Dodge Diplomat represents the shift of Chrysler's M-body platform into the role of a primary mid-sized offering following the downsizing of the St. Regis. While civilian sales were modest, the Diplomat became iconic as a fleet vehicle, dominating North American police departments and taxi ranks throughout the decade. The 5.2-litre (318 cubic inch) V8 provided reliable, if unhurried, performance paired with the robust TorqueFlite automatic transmission. Its boxy, formal styling and longitudinal torsion bar suspension offered a traditional American driving experience that prioritised durability over agility.
Dodge Diplomat specs
The Dodge Diplomat produces 145 bhp (108 kW) and 312 Nm (230 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 12.5 seconds and has a top speed of 109 mph (175 km/h).
| Make | Dodge |
|---|---|
| Model | Diplomat |
| Trim | 5.2 |
| Years | 1977–1989 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | United States |
| Original price | About $8,300 when new |
| Engine | 5.2-litre V8 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 5,211 cc (5.2 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 145 bhp (108 kW) at 4,000 rpm |
| Torque | 312 Nm (230 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 4,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 12.5 s |
| Top speed | 109 mph (175 km/h) |
| Transmission | 3-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,615 kg (3,560 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 90 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Dodge Diplomat worth?
A typical Dodge Diplomat is estimated to be worth $4,000 – $15,000 (about £3,000 – £11,000).
Its original price when new was about $8,300.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Dodge Diplomat rarity in CarSpot
The Dodge Diplomat is a Common card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 14 out of 100. Everyday cars you can spot on almost any street. A Common card is worth 10 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Dodge Diplomat fun facts
- The Diplomat was nearly identical to the Plymouth Gran Fury and the Chrysler Fifth Avenue, which shared the same M-body architecture.
- By the mid-1980s, the Diplomat's police package (AHB) was so popular that it accounted for a significant majority of the model's total production.
- The 318 V8 engine used in the 1982 model featured a two-barrel carburettor, producing a modest 145 horsepower due to strict emissions regulations of the era.