How much horsepower does a 1988 Dodge Ram 50 have?
Most 1988 Ram 50 pickups delivered about 105 horsepower when equipped with the 2.6-liter engine, and roughly 88–90 horsepower with the smaller 2.0-liter engine. Actual output could vary by engine configuration and emission controls.
The 1988 Dodge Ram 50, sold in North America as a compact pickup, was essentially a rebadged Mitsubishi Mighty Max. It offered two gasoline engine options and tuned power figures that reflected late-1980s automotive standards. Below is a concise look at the horsepower figures tied to those two engine choices, followed by context on how these numbers fit into the truck’s overall performance profile.
Engine options and horsepower
Two gasoline engine choices were available for the 1988 Ram 50. The following figures reflect typical SAE net horsepower ratings from that era, with some variation by market and equipment.
- 2.0-liter inline-4 (Mitsubishi-based engine): approximately 88–95 horsepower, with torque around 110–120 lb-ft.
- 2.6-liter inline-4 (Mitsubishi 4G54): approximately 105 horsepower, with torque around 125–130 lb-ft.
These ratings largely capture how the Ram 50 performed on the road: the smaller engine offered modest performance suitable for city driving and light hauling, while the 2.6-liter option provided a bit more oomph for highway climbs and heavier loads. Transmission choice and emissions equipment could affect the exact numbers you’d experience.
Context and performance considerations
In the late 1980s, horsepower figures were based on SAE net horsepower, which accounts for drivetrain and accessories. Because the Ram 50 shared its underpinnings with Mitsubishi designs, its real-world acceleration and pulling power depended not only on engine size but also on the chosen transmission (manual vs. automatic), gearing, and the presence of any emission-control equipment that varied by market.
For buyers and enthusiasts, the takeaway is clear: the 1988 Ram 50 offered a modestly powered, fuel-efficient pickup with two gasoline engine options—adequate for everyday tasks and light workloads, with noticeably better performance from the 2.6-liter engine when the road demanded more oomph.
Summary
The 1988 Dodge Ram 50 offered two engine choices: a 2.0-liter inline-4 producing roughly 88–95 hp and a 2.6-liter inline-4 producing about 105 hp. Real-world output varied with emissions equipment, transmission, and configuration, but both options positioned the Ram 50 as a practical, economical compact pickup of its era.
How much is a 1988 Dodge D150 worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $11,967 for a 1988 Dodge D150 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec.
What are common problems with the Ram 50?
Ram 50 often faces carburetor fuel delivery issues and transmission slipping under load.
What is the horsepower of a Dodge Ram 50?
1993 Dodge Ram 50 Specs, Features & Options
| Save 1 of 3 Ram 50 Regular Cab Short Bed | Save 2 of 3 Ram 50 Regular Cab Long Bed | Save 3 of 3 Ram 50 Regular Cab SE Short Bed |
|---|---|---|
| See Pricing | See Pricing | See Pricing |
| Horsepower | ||
| 116 @ 5000 RPM | 116 @ 5000 RPM | 116 @ 5000 RPM |
| Torque |
How much horsepower does a 1988 Dodge Ram have?
170 hp
