How much horsepower does a 5.7 HEMI Challenger have?
The typical figure you’ll see for a Dodge Challenger RT with a 5.7-liter HEMI is about 375 horsepower (SAE net), with roughly 410 lb-ft of torque. Exact numbers can vary by year, exhaust setup, and transmission, so there are small differences from one model to another.
Over the years, Chrysler refined the 5.7 HEMI and its power ratings, leading to slight year-to-year differences. This article explains where those numbers come from and what buyers should expect when evaluating a Challenger with the 5.7 HEMI.
Power output in context
The 5.7 HEMI V8 is designed to deliver strong low- and mid-range torque, which helps with real-world acceleration in the Challenger RT. It incorporates modern technologies such as variable valve timing, and in some configurations, features like cylinder deactivation for efficiency. In the Challenger lineup, it is most commonly paired with the RT trim and a traditional automatic or manual transmission, producing robust performance without sacrificing everyday drivability.
Engine notes
Power ratings are typically SAE net numbers, and different exhaust setups, tuning, or emissions requirements can cause small fluctuations in the published figures. While most modern Challengers with the 5.7 HEMI are listed at 375 hp, earlier or special-edition builds were commonly cited at around 372 hp.
Before listing the figures, keep in mind that the exact horsepower can depend on the model year, market, exhaust system, and whether the car is equipped with a manual or automatic transmission.
Power figures across years at a glance:
- Most contemporary Challenger RT models with the 5.7L HEMI are rated at 375 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque (SAE net).
- Earlier 5.7L HEMI Challengers, around 2009–2010, were rated near 372 horsepower with torque around 400–410 lb-ft.
- Some markets or limited-edition variants may show slight variations due to emissions tuning or exhaust configurations.
Conclusion: In standard spec sheets, the 5.7 HEMI Challenger is typically listed as 375 hp, with torque around 410 lb-ft; specific numbers can vary by year and option package.
Year-by-year snapshot
Below is a rough year-by-year snapshot of typical horsepower for the 5.7 L HEMI in Challenger models. Numbers can vary by emission regulations, testing methods, and packaging.
- 2009–2010: about 372 horsepower (SAE net).
- 2011–2014: about 375 horsepower (SAE net).
- 2015–2023: about 375 horsepower (SAE net), with minor variations due to exhaust and specific trims.
Conclusion: For most buyers, the 5.7 HEMI Challenger is listed at 375 horsepower, with the occasional older figure around 372 hp on certain early or market-specific builds.
Summary
The Dodge Challenger RT’s 5.7-liter HEMI V8 is generally rated at about 375 horsepower with roughly 410 lb-ft of torque, though exact numbers can shift by year, market, exhaust, and transmission. When evaluating a used Challenger, check the specific build sheet or manufacturer’s rating for that exact model year to confirm the horsepower.
What's better, 5.7 or 6.4 Hemi?
The 6.4L Hemi is better for raw power, while the 5.7L Hemi is a better choice for those prioritizing lower cost and better modification potential. The 6.4L provides significantly more horsepower and torque out of the factory, leading to better performance, whereas the 5.7L is cheaper to buy and is a more robust platform for modifications like forced induction.
6.4L Hemi
- Performance: Offers substantially more horsepower (485 hp vs. 375 hp) and torque (475 lb-ft vs. 410 lb-ft) from the factory, providing a more powerful driving experience with quicker acceleration.
- Factory Features: Vehicles with the 6.4L engine, like the Scat Pack, often come standard with performance-tuned suspension and steering.
- Cost: Significantly higher initial purchase price, leading to higher monthly payments and insurance costs.
- Modifications: Is more sensitive to forced induction modifications due to its higher compression ratio and piston design. It is generally considered less ideal for building extreme power levels without internal upgrades.
This video compares the performance of the 6.4L and 5.7L Hemi engines: 52sInnoV8YouTube · Oct 22, 2018
5.7L Hemi
- Cost: Lower initial purchase price, making it more affordable upfront.
- Modifications: Better suited for modifications, particularly forced induction setups, as its stock internal components are more resilient to higher boost levels (like superchargers). The lower initial cost can be reinvested into performance upgrades over time.
- Reliability: The 5.7L is a well-established and reliable platform.
- Performance: While still a powerful V8, it is significantly less powerful than the 6.4L in stock form and requires considerable investment to match the 6.4L's performance level.
This video discusses why people choose the 5.7L Hemi over the 6.4L Hemi: 59sR/T LifeYouTube · May 1, 2017
Which is right for you?
- Choose the 6.4L Hemi if you want the most power and a premium performance experience right out of the box and are willing to pay more for it.
- Choose the 5.7L Hemi if you are on a tighter budget, enjoy modifying engines, or want to build a custom, high-performance vehicle over time.
Which one is faster, GT or RT?
The R/T is generally faster than the GT. In Dodge vehicles like the Charger and Challenger, the R/T is typically equipped with a more powerful V8 engine, while the GT usually comes with a less powerful V6 engine, giving the R/T the advantage in acceleration. For example, a Charger R/T can reach 0−600 minus 600−60 mph in about 4.74.74.7 seconds, while a Charger GT takes around 5.95.95.9 seconds.
- Dodge GT: Typically uses a V6 engine, making it a balanced option for daily driving but less powerful than the R/T.
- Dodge R/T: Features a V8 engine that provides more horsepower and torque, resulting in quicker acceleration and a more classic muscle car performance feel.
- Example: The Mustang GT can be faster than the Challenger R/T in some aspects, but this is not consistent across all models and is often due to the Mustang's lighter weight and different performance focus.
How much HP does a 5.7 Hemi really have?
The 5.7L Hemi engine typically produces 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. This output is common for modern Ram 1500 models and can vary slightly depending on the specific vehicle and model year. For example, older models produced less horsepower, with some 2006 models rated around 345 hp.
You can watch this video to see a heavy mechanic review of the Ram 1500's 5.7L Hemi V8 engine and its towing capabilities: 54sGetty's GarageYouTube · Oct 15, 2023
- Standard horsepower: 395 hp
- Standard torque: 410 lb-ft
- Vehicle applications: Commonly found in Ram 1500 trucks, Dodge Durango, Challenger, and Charger
- Older models: Early versions of the 5.7 Hemi, such as those in 2006 models, produced less power (around 345 hp).
How much horsepower does a 6.4 Hemi Challenger have?
The Dodge Challenger with a 6.4L engine is a performance model with 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. It is equipped with a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 and is available with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine is found in trims like the R/T Scat Pack and SRT 392.
You can watch this video to see a 6.4L HEMI V8 engine in a Dodge Challenger Scat Pack: 53sPeter's AutovlogYouTube · Sep 8, 2022
- Engine: 6.4L HEMI V8
- Horsepower: 485 hp @ 6,100 rpm
- Torque: 475 lb-ft @ 4,100–4,200 rpm
- Transmission: Six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic
- 0-60 mph: Around 4.2 seconds
- Models: Available in trims like the R/T Scat Pack and SRT 392
- Features: Includes modern performance features such as launch control and performance tracking systems
