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How much horsepower does a 1979 Dodge Aspen RT have?


The 1979 Dodge Aspen RT is a classic American muscle car that holds a special place in automotive history. Known for its sporty design and performance-oriented features, the Aspen RT was Dodge's attempt to blend practicality with muscle car appeal during a time when emissions regulations and fuel economy concerns were reshaping the industry. In this article, we’ll explore the horsepower specifications of this iconic vehicle.


Overview of the 1979 Dodge Aspen RT


The Dodge Aspen RT was part of the Dodge Aspen lineup, which was introduced in 1976 as a replacement for the Dodge Dart. The RT trim was the performance-oriented version of the Aspen, featuring unique styling cues, upgraded suspension, and more powerful engine options. By 1979, the Aspen RT was available with several engine choices, catering to a range of performance preferences.


Horsepower Specifications


The horsepower of a 1979 Dodge Aspen RT depends on the engine option chosen. Here’s a breakdown of the available engines and their respective horsepower ratings:



  • 225-cubic-inch Slant-6 Engine: This base engine produced approximately 90 horsepower, offering a balance of reliability and fuel efficiency.

  • 318-cubic-inch V8 Engine: A step up in performance, this engine delivered around 135 horsepower, making it a popular choice for those seeking more power.

  • 360-cubic-inch V8 Engine: The most powerful option for the Aspen RT, this engine produced up to 175 horsepower, providing a true muscle car experience.


It’s worth noting that these horsepower figures reflect the net ratings, which became the industry standard in the early 1970s. Net horsepower accounts for power losses from accessories and emissions equipment, making it a more realistic measure of engine output compared to the gross ratings used in earlier decades.


Performance and Legacy


While the 1979 Dodge Aspen RT may not have boasted the extreme horsepower figures of earlier muscle cars from the 1960s, it still offered respectable performance for its time. The RT trim’s combination of sporty styling, upgraded handling, and V8 power made it a favorite among enthusiasts. Today, the Aspen RT is a sought-after classic, appreciated for its unique place in automotive history and its representation of the transitional period in the muscle car era.


If you’re lucky enough to own or restore a 1979 Dodge Aspen RT, understanding its engine options and horsepower ratings can help you appreciate the engineering and design choices that went into this iconic vehicle.


Frequently Asked Questions

How much horsepower does a 1980 Dodge Aspen have?


Legendary for its durability, the mighty Slant Six was just plodding along by 1980. Strangled by emissions regulations, the big 3.7-liter engine was cranking out just 90 horsepower in the Aspen Special, good for a reported 15-second 0-60 mph “sprint.”



What was the fastest truck in 1979?


Say hello to the 1979 Dodge D-150 "Lil Red Express", the fastest American production vehicle of its time! With a Police Interceptor 360 cu in V8 engine delivering 225 horsepower, this truck could hit an impressive 128 mph and run the quarter mile in just 15 seconds.



How much HP does a 360 V8 have?


This 10.5:1 compression, 360 cid Mopar V8 makes 425 horsepower.



How much horsepower does a 1979 Dodge truck have?


160 h.p. @ 3600 rpm. 3700 rpm. Torque (b @r.p.m. 175 lb.



How much horsepower does a C6 V8 have?


Performance: One of the first Corvettes to feature nothing less than a 6.0L engine, the C6 evolved through four different powertrains, starting with a 400-hp 6.0L LS2 V8 and ending with the 6.2L LS3, which reached a maximum of 436 hp.



How much horsepower does a 1979 Dodge 360 have?


The 1978–1979 Li'l Red Express truck used a special high-performance 360 4-barrel engine with factory production code EH1 that was rated at 225 SAE Net HP in production form The EH1 was a modified version of the E58 360 police engine (E58) producing 225 hp (168 kW) net at 3800 rpm due in part, that as it was installed ...



How much horsepower does a 1979 Dodge Red Express have?


225 horsepower
Dodge quoted an output of 225 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque. Designers set the Li'l Red Express apart from the D150 with a pair of semi-truck-like exhaust stacks, Bright Canyon Red paint, and edition-specific decals, among other styling cues.



How many 1979 Dodge Aspen RT were made?


Dodge produced 42,833 Aspen coupes in 1979; 872 of these were Aspen R/Ts.



What is the top speed of the Dodge Aspen?


MMP Rating

Engine Specifications
Top Speed:105-110 mph (approximately)
Transmission and Drive
Drive Type:Rear-wheel drive
Transmission Type:3-speed automatic, 4-speed manual



How much horsepower does a 1978 Dodge Aspen have?


Engine & Transmission

V 8 90-degree
Power :155 HP (114.08 KW) @ 3600 RPM
Torque :270 Ft-Lbs (366 NM) @ 2400 RPM
Bore :4.0 in | 102 mm.
Stroke :3.6 in | 91 mm.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.