Engine and Horsepower

The 2016 Dodge Charger 392 uses a 6.4-liter V8 engine that produces 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. This engine is the same unit Dodge placed in the Challenger 392 that year, making it one of the most powerful four-door sedans available in the American market at the time.

The engine pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Dodge designed this transmission to handle the engine's output while also managing fuel consumption better than the 5-speed automatic that appeared in earlier Charger R/T models. The transmission sends power to the rear wheels only — the 2016 Charger 392 is rear-wheel drive.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2016 Charger 392 produces 485 horsepower from a 6.4-liter V8 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
  • EPA estimates list 16 miles per gallon in city driving and 25 miles per gallon on the highway, though real-world results often fall below these figures.
  • The vehicle weighs approximately 4,300 pounds and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 4.2 seconds.
  • The Charger 392 requires premium (91 octane) gasoline and has a 18.5-gallon fuel tank, giving it a theoretical range of around 370 miles on a full tank under highway conditions.

Fuel Economy and Tank Capacity

The EPA rates the 2016 Charger 392 at 16 miles per gallon in city driving and 25 miles per gallon on the highway. Combined, the estimate is 19 miles per gallon. These figures reflect the weight of the vehicle and the power output of the engine — a large V8 in a four-door sedan does not achieve high efficiency numbers.

The fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons. Under ideal highway conditions at the EPA's estimated 25 mpg, a full tank would theoretically provide around 462 miles of range. In city driving at 16 mpg, the same tank would last roughly 296 miles. Most owners report real-world combined fuel economy between 17 and 21 mpg depending on driving habits and conditions.

The 2016 Charger 392 requires premium gasoline — 91 octane or higher. Using regular (87 octane) gasoline can trigger engine knock and reduce performance. Premium fuel costs more per gallon than regular, which compounds the cost of ownership over time.

Acceleration and Performance Metrics

Dodge published a 0-to-60 mph time of approximately 4.2 seconds for the 2016 Charger 392. The quarter-mile time is roughly 12.5 seconds at around 115 mph. These figures place it among the fastest four-door sedans of that model year, though not at the absolute top — the Charger Hellcat, which arrived in 2015, was faster.

The vehicle's curb weight is approximately 4,300 pounds. This weight, combined with the rear-wheel-drive layout and the torque output of the V8, means the Charger 392 can experience wheel spin during hard acceleration, especially on wet pavement. Dodge included a performance traction control system to manage this, but it can be disabled by the driver.

Emissions and Environmental Classification

The 2016 Dodge Charger 392 is classified as a Tier 2, Bin 10 vehicle under the EPA's emissions standards that were in effect at the time. This classification reflects the vehicle's nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter output. The Charger 392 does not meet California's Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards, which are stricter than federal Tier 2 standards.

The vehicle is not a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) candidate and does not may have access to for any federal tax credits or state incentives related to emissions. It does not have hybrid or electric components. Some states with California emissions rules may restrict where the vehicle can be registered or driven, though this varies by state and year.

Transmission and Drivetrain

The 8-speed automatic transmission in the 2016 Charger 392 was relatively new to the Charger lineup that year. The additional gears compared to the 5-speed automatic found in earlier models allow the engine to operate at lower RPMs during highway cruising, which helps with fuel economy. The transmission includes a manual shift mode that allows the driver to select gears using the gear selector or steering wheel-mounted paddles.

The rear-wheel-drive layout means the front wheels handle steering only, while the rear wheels receive all engine power. This setup is typical for performance sedans and allows for better weight distribution than front-wheel drive, but it also means the vehicle can oversteer (the rear end slides out) if pushed hard in corners, especially on slippery surfaces.

Dimensions and Weight Distribution

The 2016 Charger 392 measures 200.3 inches long, 75.7 inches wide, and 59.8 inches tall. The wheelbase — the distance between the front and rear axles — is 120.2 inches. These dimensions make it a full-size sedan, larger than most midsize competitors but similar in footprint to other American muscle cars of that era.

The vehicle's curb weight of approximately 4,300 pounds is distributed roughly 52 percent to the front axle and 48 percent to the rear. This near-balanced weight distribution helps with handling, though the heavy V8 engine mounted in front of the front axle means the vehicle still has a slight forward weight bias compared to mid-engine or rear-engine designs.

Comparison to Other 2016 Performance Sedans

The 2016 Charger 392 sits between the Charger R/T (which used a 5.7-liter V8 with 370 horsepower) and the Charger Hellcat (which used a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 with 707 horsepower). In terms of fuel economy, the Charger 392 was more efficient than the Hellcat but less efficient than the R/T. The Hellcat achieved 13 city and 21 highway; the R/T achieved 17 city and 26 highway.

Compared to the Chrysler 300C (which shared the same platform), the Charger 392 offered similar performance but with a sportier suspension tuning. The Dodge Challenger 392 of the same year produced identical horsepower and torque but weighed slightly more due to its two-door body, resulting in marginally slower acceleration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What octane gasoline does the 2016 Charger 392 require?

The 2016 Charger 392 requires premium gasoline rated at 91 octane or higher. Using regular 87-octane fuel can cause engine knock and reduce performance. Some owners report that the engine will run on 89-octane mid-grade fuel without obvious problems, but Dodge's specification is 91 octane minimum.

How much does a full tank of gas cost to fill?

The cost depends on current fuel prices and your location. The tank holds 18.5 gallons. If premium gasoline costs $3.50 per gallon, a full tank would cost roughly $64.75. If it costs $4.00 per gallon, a full tank would cost $74. Premium fuel typically costs 20 to 40 cents more per gallon than regular gasoline.

Can the 2016 Charger 392 be registered in California?

The 2016 Charger 392 does not meet California's LEV emissions standards. Some California counties may restrict registration, though rules vary by county and have changed over time. Contact your local California Air Resources Board (CARB) office or your county's vehicle registration authority to confirm whether the vehicle can be registered in your specific area.

What is the real-world fuel economy owners report?

Most owners report combined fuel economy between 17 and 21 miles per gallon, depending on driving habits, road conditions, and whether the vehicle is driven primarily in city or highway conditions. Aggressive driving and frequent acceleration reduce fuel economy significantly. Some owners who drive conservatively report numbers closer to 21 to 22 mpg combined.

How fast is the 2016 Charger 392 compared to the Hellcat?

The Charger Hellcat accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 3.6 seconds, roughly 0.6 seconds faster than the Charger 392. The Hellcat's supercharged 6.2-liter engine produces 707 horsepower compared to the 392's 485 horsepower. The Hellcat also achieves lower quarter-mile times and higher top speed, though both vehicles are among the fastest four-door sedans available.