How much horsepower does a 1946 Dodge Power Wagon have?
Approximately 92 horsepower.
In this article, we explain the engine behind that figure and what it meant for the Power Wagon's performance in the mid-1940s, a time when off-road capability and rugged reliability were key selling points for civilian 4x4s.
Engine and horsepower: the numbers behind the Power Wagon
The Power Wagon that debuted in 1946 rested on Dodge’s wartime WC truck lineage and used a straightforward, robust powertrain designed for torque and durability in rough terrain. The commonly cited horsepower for this model comes from its 230 cubic inch inline-six engine, a flathead (L-head) design that prioritized low-end torque over high-rev performance.
Key specifications for the engine that powered the 1946 Power Wagon include the following:
- Displacement: 230 cu in (approximately 3.8 liters)
- Configuration: Inline-six, flathead (L-head)
- Horsepower: 92 hp
- Torque: around 170–175 lb-ft
These figures reflect the era’s measurement standards and the Power Wagon’s mission as a rugged, payload-capable off-road vehicle rather than a high-speed performer. Some catalogs and later retellings mention slight variations in horsepower depending on testing methods and market specifications, but 92 hp is the widely accepted figure for the 1946 model.
The significance of horsepower in 1946
In 1946, horsepower ratings did not translate directly to the same performance metrics used today. Off-road capability in the Power Wagon came from a combination of torque, gearing, weight distribution, and transfer-case performance. The 92-hp inline-six was ample for moving a heavy 3/4-ton 4x4 with a substantial payload, especially when paired with the truck’s geared 4x4 transfer case and heavy-duty transmission.
Legacy and impact
The 1946 Dodge Power Wagon helped redefine civilian 4x4 capability in the postwar era. It was among the first mass-produced civilian trucks to emphasize rugged, off-road utility with a purpose-built heavy-duty platform. The horsepower figure—while modest by today’s standards—was part of a package that valued torque, reliability, and real-world performance over peak engine output.
Today, vintage Power Wagons are celebrated for their historical significance and durable engineering. Enthusiasts and historians typically view the 92-horsepower engine as a reflection of its time—a balance of power, practicality, and wartime-inspired engineering that forged a lasting legacy in the world of 4x4 trucks.
Summary
The 1946 Dodge Power Wagon delivered about 92 horsepower from a 230 cubic inch inline-six, flathead engine. This power level, paired with strong torque and the truck’s rugged 4x4 drivetrain, made it a pioneering civilian off-roader in the immediate postwar period. The figure reflects 1940s engineering priorities and remains a benchmark for the Power Wagon’s enduring legacy.
