How much horsepower does a 1956 Dodge Coronet have?
The horsepower of a 1956 Dodge Coronet varied by engine and option package, so there wasn’t a single figure for the entire lineup. In general, base six-cylinder models produced about 110–130 horsepower, while V8-equipped versions offered substantially more, typically in the high 100s to low 200s horsepower range. The most powerful factory configurations could push into the low 200s horsepower.
Detail matters: different Coronet trims and optional engines yielded different outputs, and the rating methods of the era (gross versus net) can affect the numbers you see in old brochures. This article breaks down the typical ranges and how to verify the figure on a specific car today.
Engine options and horsepower
Here are the typical horsepower ranges by engine type found in the 1956 Coronet lineup.
- Inline-six engine: typically about 115–130 horsepower (roughly 120 hp in common configurations).
- V8 options: substantially more power, generally in the 170–190 horsepower range depending on carburetion and compression.
- Higher-output or premium V8 configurations: around 200–210 horsepower in the most performance-oriented setups of the era.
In practice, the Coronet's everyday driving models commonly fell in the mid-range, roughly 140–190 horsepower, with higher-end trims and optioned V8s pushing beyond that into the low 200s.
How horsepower was rated in the 1950s
During the 1950s, horsepower figures were often published using gross ratings that measured engine output without auxiliary equipment like the radiator, alternator, or muffler. Net ratings, which subtract those accessories, became more common later. Because of these changes in testing standards, two cars with the same engine could be listed with different horsepower numbers simply due to method and era.
Notes on rating methods
When reading old brochures for the 1956 Coronet, expect some variance between the stated horsepower and what modern net-rated figures would show. For example, a V8 option might be listed in the 170–190 hp range, but the same engine could read differently under later testing standards.
Verifying horsepower on a specific car
To determine the exact horsepower of a particular 1956 Coronet, use a combination of documentary evidence and physical inspection.
- Check the engine code, serial number, and any sticker or brochure that came with the car to identify the exact engine option.
- Refer to the original window sticker (if available) or the dealership order form for the quoted horsepower.
- Match the carburetion (single vs. dual carburetor) and compression ratio to known configurations of Dodge engines of the era.
- Consult vintage service manuals or restorers who specialize in Mopar classics—these often include official horsepower for each engine option.
Because some cars were rebuilt or modified over time, corroborating multiple sources is best to confirm the engine's horsepower rating.
Summary: The 1956 Dodge Coronet offered a range of outputs depending on engine and configuration, with base six-cylinder models around 110–130 hp and V8-enabled versions typically in the 170–210 hp band. In practice, most drivers saw roughly 140–190 hp, with the top configurations reaching or exceeding 200 hp in some builds. Always verify with original documentation for a precise figure.
How fast is a 1956 Dodge Coronet?
The stock Dodge Coronet was a smooth-running car, and the six-cylinder engine could power the car to 90 mph (145 km/h).
What was the fastest car in 1956?
The fastest car in 1956 was the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, which was the fastest production car in the world with a top speed of 140140140 mph. In the U.S., the 1956 Chrysler 300B was America's fastest production car, with its 354354354-cubic-inch Hemi V8 producing 340340340 or 355355355 horsepower and setting a world passenger car speed record of 139.9139.9139.9 mph at Daytona Beach. Other fast cars of the era included the Pegaso Z-102 and the Studebaker Golden Hawk.
Fastest production car
- Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing: This car was the fastest production car in the world, capable of reaching a top speed of 140140140 mph thanks to its 3.0-liter straight-six engine with mechanical fuel injection.
America's fastest production car
- 1956 Chrysler 300B: This was America's fastest production car, featuring a 354-cubic-inch Hemi V8 engine that produced up to 355 horsepower. It set a world passenger car speed record of 139.9139.9139.9 mph at Daytona Beach.
Other notable fast cars
- Pegaso Z-102: A Spanish-built car, the supercharged version of the Z-102 could reach a top speed of 151151151 mph, making it one of the fastest production cars of its time.
- Studebaker Golden Hawk: Equipped with a Packard-sourced 352-cubic-inch V8, this car was also one of the fastest American cars on the road.
Was the Dodge Coronet a muscle car?
Yes, the Dodge Coronet became a muscle car, especially with the R/T (Road and Track) performance trim, which was available with powerful engines like the 440 Magnum and the legendary 426 Hemi. While the Coronet was a mass-market car, high-performance models like the R/T are considered muscle cars for their aggressive styling and powerful engines.
- Performance-focused trim: The R/T model was specifically designed for performance, featuring a standard 440 Magnum V8 engine producing 375375375 horsepower.
- Optional Hemi engine: A 426 Hemi V8, delivering 425425425 horsepower, was also available as an option, solidifying its muscle car credentials.
- Aggressive styling: The Coronet R/T featured a bold, muscular design, with styling that set it apart from the standard models.
- Collector status: Due to its powerful engines and aggressive styling, the R/T models are highly sought-after by collectors today.
How much horsepower did a 1956 Chrysler have?
355 hp
By 1956, this would be the first American production car to top 355 hp (265 kW), and the letter series was for many years the most powerful car produced in the United States.
