How fast is the Hornet car?
The modern Dodge Hornet can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 6.4–6.6 seconds and reach a top speed around 130 mph, depending on configuration and drivetrain. If you’re asking about older Hornet models, speeds vary widely by generation and engine.
The Hornet name has appeared on several vehicles across decades, from the 1970s AMC Hornet to today’s Dodge Hornet. This article focuses on current performance figures and places them in historical context for clarity.
Current Dodge Hornet performance
Key performance figures for the contemporary Hornet reflect its role as a quick, practical compact SUV.
Core specs
- 0–60 mph: approximately 6.4–6.6 seconds with standard all‑wheel drive (AWD) and the 2.0‑liter turbocharged inline‑4 (268 hp, 295 lb-ft)
- Top speed: around 130 mph (electronically limited)
- Engine: 2.0‑L turbocharged inline‑4 delivering 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque
- Drivetrain and transmission: standard AWD paired with a 9‑speed automatic transmission
These figures underscore the Hornet’s blend of quick acceleration with everyday practicality for a compact SUV.
Historical context: other Hornet models
The Hornet name has a longer history beyond the current Dodge model. The original AMC Hornet, produced in the 1970s and early 1980s, offered far more modest performance by today’s standards. Engine choices and model year determined 0–60 times and top speeds, but most configurations fell roughly in the range of 9–12 seconds for 0–60 and around 100–115 mph for top speed.
Representative older variants
- AMC Hornet (1970s–early 1980s): performance varied by engine; typical 0–60 times were in the 9–12 second range with top speeds around 100–115 mph, depending on drivetrain and powertrain
These historical figures illustrate how the Hornet lineage has evolved from economical daily drivers to today’s turbocharged, higher‑performance compact SUV.
Summary
The current Dodge Hornet delivers brisk acceleration for its class, with 0–60 mph times around 6.4–6.6 seconds and a top speed near 130 mph, making it competitive among modern compact SUVs. Throughout its history, the Hornet name has covered a spectrum of performance—from the modest speeds of the AMC era to today’s more powerful, turbocharged machines—reflecting broader shifts in automotive engineering and consumer expectations.
