How much horsepower does a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 5.7 have?
The 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 with the 5.7-liter Hemi is rated at 345 horsepower.
In 2003, the Ram 2500 offered the 5.7-liter Hemi as a top-end gasoline option. The engine is listed with peak power of about 345 hp at roughly 5,600 rpm and peak torque around 370–375 lb-ft at about 3,900–4,000 rpm. Exact numbers can vary slightly depending on trim, emissions equipment, and test conditions.
Engine specifications at a glance
These figures reflect the factory crank horsepower and peak torque for the 2003 Ram 2500 with the 5.7 Hemi. They represent the engine’s capability, not the actual wheel output after drivetrain losses.
Power and torque
- Peak horsepower: 345 hp @ 5,600 rpm
- Peak torque: approximately 370–375 lb-ft @ 3,900–4,000 rpm
- Displacement: 5.7 liters
- Configuration: V8 Hemi gasoline engine
These values are representative of typical 2003 Ram 2500 configurations with the 5.7 Hemi. Actual figures can vary slightly by market and vehicle specifics.
Performance context
Horsepower is only part of how a heavy-duty pickup performs. Torque, gearing, and weight all influence acceleration, towing, and payload capability. The 5.7 Hemi’s substantial torque—especially at moderate RPMs—helps with pulling power and loading tasks, even when peak horsepower isn’t the sole driver of performance.
Factors such as transmission type, axle ratio, drivetrain configuration (2WD vs. 4WD), and overall vehicle condition can affect how horsepower translates to real-world driving.
What can affect measured horsepower
Before listing these factors, consider that published engine horsepower is a crank rating. Real-world or dyno-tested figures can differ due to several variables.
- Engine condition and maintenance (timing, sensors, fuel delivery)
- Fuel quality and emissions equipment in place
- Dyno type and test conditions (crank vs. wheel horsepower, ambient temperature)
- Altitude and atmospheric pressure during testing
In practice, your own Ram 2500’s performance may vary from the factory rating based on these and other factors.
Summary
The 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 with the 5.7-liter Hemi is commonly cited at 345 horsepower, with around 370–375 lb-ft of torque. This pairing provided strong mid-range pulling power suitable for heavy-duty work, with actual on-road performance influenced by gearing, drivetrain configuration, and vehicle condition.
