How much horsepower does a 1976 Dodge Charger have?
In 1976, the Dodge Charger offered several engine choices, so horsepower varied by configuration. The most common setups produced roughly 150 to 195 horsepower, depending on engine and emissions equipment. The 360 V8, when paired with the four-barrel carburetor and appropriate gear, typically delivered around 180–195 horsepower, while the 318 V8 generally produced about 150–160 horsepower and the 225 inline-six was usually around 105 horsepower.
Engine options and horsepower
Below are the typical engine choices offered for the 1976 Charger and their approximate SAE net horsepower ratings for that era.
- Slant-6 225 cu in (3.7 L): about 105 hp
- 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8: about 150–160 hp
- 360 cu in (5.9 L) V8: about 180–195 hp
These figures reflect the SAE net horsepower ratings used in the mid-1970s, after emissions controls and other specifications were applied. Actual performance could vary based on carburetion (2-barrel vs 4-barrel), exhaust setup, and whether the car carried heavier options or different transmissions.
What influenced the horsepower numbers in 1976
Understanding the context of the era helps explain the numbers players saw on the door stickers and in manufacturer catalogs.
- Emissions regulations: By 1976, tighter federal and state emissions controls reduced a vehicle’s peak horsepower compared with earlier, “gross” ratings.
- SAE net vs gross: The industry had shifted to SAE net horsepower, which measured power as actually delivered at the crank with standard accessories installed, leading to lower numbers than earlier gross ratings.
- Carburetion and tuning: The difference between a two-barrel and a four-barrel carburetor could noticeably affect output, as could intake and exhaust configurations.
- Drivetrain effects: Transmission choices, rear-axle gearing, and overall vehicle weight impacted how horsepower translated to acceleration and performance, even when engine output remained fixed.
In practice, a Charger’s feel on the road—its acceleration and torque delivery—depended on more than the engine displacement alone. Gear ratios, axle gearing, and vehicle option weight could make a many-horsepower difference in daily driving.
Performance notes and variations
Collectors and enthusiasts should note that production records sometimes show slight variance by year and trim level, especially for cars equipped with optional performance packages. The base Charger and the more geared-for-performance SE or R/T variants could have different exhaust and carburetion configurations that nudged horsepower up or down within the above ranges.
For a classic car owned today, it’s best to verify the exact engine code and apply the factory specification for that specific build year and trim to determine precise horsepower.
Summary
The 1976 Dodge Charger offered several engines, with horsepower ranging from about 105 hp (slant-six) to roughly 180–195 hp (360 V8, depending on configuration). The 318 V8 typically produced around 150–160 hp. Ratings were SAE net, reflecting emissions-era adjustments, and real-world performance depended on carburetion, exhaust, and drivetrain choices. In short, there wasn’t a single number for the 1976 Charger—horsepower varied by the engine and equipment under the hood.
