How much horsepower does a 1979 Chrysler 300 have?
In 1979, horsepower for the Chrysler 300 varied by engine: the 360 cu in V8 yielded about 170–180 hp and the 400 cu in V8 about 180–195 hp, depending on carburetion and emissions controls.
Engine options and horsepower
The 1979 Chrysler 300 was offered with two large V8 engines. The following figures reflect typical SAE net horsepower ratings published for that year.
- 360 cubic inch (5.9 L) V8 — approximately 170–180 hp (SAE net), with variations due to emissions equipment and carburetion
- 400 cubic inch (6.6 L) V8 — approximately 180–195 hp (SAE net), depending on configuration
These numbers illustrate the era’s emissions-conscious ratings, which generally produced lower published horsepower than earlier gross ratings.
How horsepower related to performance in 1979
Horsepower was only one part of the performance story. Torque, transmission choice, rear-axle gearing, and the car’s weight all shaped acceleration and on-road feel. In practice, the 400 ci engine offered more torque for confident highway merging and cruising, while the 360 ci could feel brisk with appropriate gearing and conditions.
Notes on rating methods and era context
During the late 1970s, cars were labeled using SAE net horsepower ratings that incorporated more of the drivetrain’s losses and emissions equipment. This means published numbers reflect a different testing approach than earlier eras, and real-world performance could vary from the textbook figures.
Model coverage and typical configurations
The 1979 Chrysler 300 lineup focused on delivering luxury and performance within the constraints of late-70s automotive design. Engine choice influenced performance but did not fundamentally change the car’s role as a high-end personal luxury sedan.
Summary
The 1979 Chrysler 300 offered two V8 options: the 360 cu in engine at roughly 170–180 hp and the 400 cu in engine at roughly 180–195 hp, according to SAE net ratings of the era. Real-world performance depended on gearing, weight, and emissions equipment, so numbers should be read as indicative of the period’s dynamics rather than exact modern benchmarks.
How much horsepower does a 1979 300d have?
In early 1979, the power output rose from 55 PS (40 kW; 54 hp) to 60 PS (44 kW; 59 hp) for the 200 D and from 80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp) to 88 PS (65 kW; 87 hp) for the 300 D.
What are the worst years for Chrysler 300?
The first year or two of any totally new design is always a risky period, and 2005 and 2006 Chrysler 300 models have by far the highest number of user complaints and reliability issues.
What was the fastest vehicle in 1979?
The fastest production vehicle in 1979 was the Dodge Li'l Red Express Truck, which could reach a top speed of 128 mph. It was faster than other American production cars of that year, including the Chevrolet Corvette, and even some international sports cars like the Ferrari 308 and Porsche 928. This performance was achieved with a 5.9-liter V8 engine, and Dodge famously used loopholes in emissions regulations to achieve its power.
- Engine: A 360 cubic-inch V8 engine producing 225 horsepower.
- Top Speed: 128 mph.
- Acceleration: It could go from 0-60 mph in approximately 6.7 seconds.
- Performance: Achieved its speed through a combination of high-performance parts, including a hot camshaft, four-barrel carburetor, and dual snorkel intake.
- Production: Only 5,118 were made in 1979.
How many HP does a Chrysler 300 have?
363 horsepower
Feed the need for muscle and speed in a 2023 Chrysler 300S with the available 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine, capable of dominating any road with 363 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque.
