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Dodge Diplomat
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| Dodge Diplomat | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dodge | ||
| Production: 1977-1989 | ||
| Class: Intermediate | ||
| Body Style: 2-Door Coupe, 4-Door Sedan, 5-Door Wagon | ||
| Length: | ||
| Width: | ||
| Height: | ||
| Wheelbase: 108.7"/112.7" | ||
| Weight: 3200-3500 lbs | ||
| Transmissions: 4-Speed Manual, 3-Speed Automatic | ||
| Engines: 3.7L (225 cid) I6 (1977-1983), 5.2L (318 cid) V8 (1977-1989), 5.9L (360 cid) V8 (1977-1983) | ||
| Power: Rear | ||
| Similar: Chrysler Fifth Avenue, Plymouth Gran Fury | ||
| Platform: M | ||
The Dodge Diplomat was introduced in 1977 alongside the Chrysler LeBaron as more upscale twins to the Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare. The Diplomat shared the same drivetrain and chassis of the Aspen, as well as exterior and interior dimensions. The "Dip" was initially available as a 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and a 5-door wagon, but later on only the sedan would survive. Throughout 80s, the Diplomat would eventually become the darling of the police and taxi fleets throughout the U.S. An interesting fact about the Diplomat (and LeBaron) is that they were known as M-bodies, whereas the Aspen and Volare were F-bodies, even though they shared the exact same platform. Perhaps this was done to differentiate the differences between the Diplomat and Aspen, but it's not really known why Chrysler chose to do this.
Here's a rundown from year to year:
1977
The Diplomat's inaugural year, it differed from its lesser Aspen twin mainly in its exterior styling and fancier interior appointments. Engine choices also mirrored the Aspen, the 110 hp 225 Slant-6 was standard, but the 140 hp 318 2bbl V8 was a more popular option, and more suited to the Diplomat's upscale image. The 155 hp 360 2bbl V8 was also an option. A 3-speed manual was standard on the Slant-6, and a 4-speed was available on the Slant-6 and 318, but the automatic was only available on the 360. Most Dips were equipped with the automatic transmission, as a manual transmission surely seemed a bit out of character for such a car. T-bar roof (T-tops) were available on the coupes. The Diplomat became Dodge's second-best selling car for 1977 behind the Aspen.
1978
Not many changes at all for the Dip's second year, other than new colors. Automatic transmissions gained lockup torque converters on non-heavy duty applications. Sales remained high but the Dip got knocked down to third place this year with the introduction of the new subcompact Omni.
1979
The largest visual change was on the coupes, they sported a new, smaller and more formal rear quarter window. The 318 and 360 V8s gained a 4-barrel carburetor option, but all other drivetrain choices remained the same.
1980
The Diplomat received its first restyling this year, becoming more squared off and a little less glitzy from previous versions, and would remain the quintessential Diplomat style until the end of 1989. The coupes this year rode a smaller 108.7" wheelbase, while the sedan and wagon still rode the same 112.7" wheelbase. The Slant-6 lost its 2bbl carburetor this year and reverted back to a 1bbl, resulting in a horsepower drop to 90. The 318s and 360 continued as before, but all Dips would come with an automatic transmission this year - no more manuals (which were rarely ordered anyway).
1981
No visual changes, but the 360 V8 was now available only on police and taxi fleet models. Due to the Aspen's departure this year, the Diplomat would now become Dodge's lone intermediate model, which meant it was now (and would remain) a popular choice among police and taxi fleets.
1982
The largest visual change was the addition of the Chrysler pentastar badge over the exterior trunklid key lock. Also the Diplomat line was greatly simplified this year, as the coupe and wagon are discontinued. Now that the full-size St. Regis was gone, the Diplomat was now Dodge's largest car. Plymouth now grafted the Gran Fury nameplate on a Diplomat clone, which was indistinguishable from the Diplomat at more than 10 paces distance.
1983
The 318 V8 lost its 4bbl carb option on the "civilian" (non-fleet) models. Everything else remains the same.
1984
All radios are digital this year with an integrated clock. The Slant-6 is discontinued this year, the sole engine option for the civilian models is now the 140 hp 318 2bbl V8 and 3-speed automatic transmission.
1985
Dodge introduced an SE package this year, which included the Chrysler Fifth Avenue's front end, but had a crossbar in the grille (actually a sign of things to come for Dodge, as all Dodge models today use that same crossbar grille design in some shape or form). Other models remained the same.
1986
Other than the required Center High Mounted Stop Lamp, there were no changes this year.
1987
Other than a new steering wheel, there were no changes.
1988
A driver's side air bag would be phased in mid-year, becoming one of the first cars made in the U.S. that would have an air bag as standard equipment. Civilian sales were barely a blip on the sales radar by now, but the Diplomat would still remain a popular choice among police and taxi fleets, due to its inexpensive and proven sturdy design. Dodge introduced the K-car based Dynasty this year, which would eventually become the Diplomat's successor (at least in spirit), although Dodge did not offer a police package on the Dynasty.
1989
No changes at all as the Diplomat finally reached the end of the line. The Diplomat would become the last rear-drive Dodge passenger sedan until the 2006 Dodge Charger, which will itself offer a police package in 2007.
