Loading

How much horsepower does a 1983 Dodge Charger have?

The 1983 Dodge Charger offered modest power by modern standards, with most models producing around 84–87 horsepower and an optional 2.6-liter engine nudging the figure up to roughly 100 horsepower.


Engine options and horsepower


The Charger for the 1983 model year was available with two inline-four engines. The following outlines the standard figures you’re likely to encounter in factory documentation and contemporary road-test reports.



  • 2.2-liter inline-four (2.2 L I4) — approximately 84–87 horsepower (SAE net rating used for US-market cars).

  • 2.6-liter inline-four (2.6 L I4) — about 100 horsepower (SAE net rating; offered as the higher-power option).


These values reflect factory ratings rather than measured on-road performance, and actual output could vary slightly due to emissions equipment, exhaust configuration, and drivetrain setup.


Context and measurement


In the early 1980s, horsepower figures for Chrysler products were typically published using the SAE net standard, which tends to show lower numbers than earlier gross ratings. For the 1983 Charger, the two primary engines produced modest power: the 2.2 L engine in the mid-80s range and the 2.6 L engine offering a modest bump into the low hundreds of horsepower when compared to modern performance cars.


For collectors and restorers, engine identification and documentation are key. The 2.2 L option was the common baseline, while the 2.6 L represents the higher-end factory output for that year. Variations can occur based on market (U.S. vs. Canada), emissions equipment, and specific model trim.


Notes for enthusiasts and buyers


If you’re evaluating a 1983 Charger for purchase or restoration, confirm the engine code and verify against original build sheets or VIN-decoding guides. Factory horsepower figures are a useful proxy, but real-world performance depends on condition and any modifications made over the years.


Summary: For the 1983 Dodge Charger, expect baseline horsepower around 84–87 hp from the 2.2-liter engine, with an optional 2.6-liter engine providing about 100 hp. The numbers reflect factory SAE net ratings typical of the era, and actual performance can vary with condition and configuration.

What was the fastest car made in 1983?


Ruf BTR



What is a 1983 D150 worth?


Typically, you can expect to pay around $12,400 for a 1983 Dodge D150 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec.



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.



How much horsepower does a 1983 Shelby Charger have?


107 hp
The front-wheel-drive Charger is nifty, and Shelby knows the 2.2-liter engine is a winner. Redlined at 6000 rpm, it produces 107 hp at 5600 rpm (and he says there's another 25 naturally aspirated horsepower to come).


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.