How much horsepower does a 1981 Dodge Charger have?
In short, the 1981 Dodge Charger offered horsepower roughly in the mid-80s to around 100 hp, depending on engine and market. The two main engine choices that year were a 2.2-liter inline-four and a 2.6-liter inline-four, with the smaller engine delivering about 84–93 hp and the larger around 95–105 hp in common configurations.
Engine options in 1981 Charger
The Charger lineup for 1981 centered on two primary four-cylinder engines. The following overview summarizes the typical horsepower ranges associated with each engine in common configurations, noting that regional emissions equipment and transmission choices could shift numbers slightly.
- 2.2 L inline-4: approximately 84–93 horsepower
- 2.6 L inline-4: approximately 95–105 horsepower
In practice, the actual output for a given car could vary based on market (U.S. vs. export), emission controls, carburetion, and whether the car had manual or automatic transmission. The result is a relatively narrow horsepower window for the model year.
Context: Where the 1981 Charger fit in Dodge’s lineup
During the early 1980s, Dodge marketed the Charger as a two-door coupe with an emphasis on practicality and fuel economy amid tighter emission standards. The available engines were modest by performance standards, reflecting the era’s focus on efficiency as much as on outright power. This meant many Chargers of that year balanced everyday drivability with acceptable fuel economy rather than high horsepower figures.
Measurement notes
Horsepower figures from this period are typically SAE net ratings, which reflect drivetrain losses more realistically than the earlier gross ratings. Subtle differences in emissions equipment and tuning between model years or regional markets could cause small variations in the published numbers.
Summary
Overall, the 1981 Dodge Charger offered two main engine choices with horsepower spanning roughly 84–105 hp, depending on the engine size and configuration. For any specific vehicle, the exact figure would depend on its engine, emissions setup, and market of sale. When evaluating a particular 1981 Charger, checking the original window sticker or factory literature will provide the precise horsepower for that car.
How much horsepower does a 1981 Camaro have?
Less lovable was that getting the BorgWarner Super T-10 four speed in the 1981 Z28 required settling for the 305-cid (5.0-liter) small-block V-8 with just 165 horsepower.
How much horsepower does a 1986 Dodge Charger have?
There are only two changes for the 1986 Dodge Charger. The base hatchback, though standard with the 1.6-liter, 62-hp engine, is now available with the optional 2.2-liter engine now rated at 96-hp. The 2.2 hatchback is available with the optional sports-tuned 107-hp engine from the old Shelby Charger.
Was the 1980 Dodge Charger a muscle car?
After a brief hiatus, the Charger returned in the 1980s as a subcompact hatchback with front-wheel drive. This generation marked a departure from the traditional muscle car image, catering to a different market segment.
What charger has 700 horsepower?
Iconic Engine: Introduced in 2014, the Hellcat's supercharged 6.2L V8 engine produces 707 horsepower (in its base form), defining modern American muscle cars.
