How much horsepower does the Dodge Omni have?
Across the Dodge Omni's production run, horsepower ranged from roughly 70–90 hp in base, non-turbo models to about 175 hp in turbocharged performance variants.
Here's a deeper look at how power varied by engine and year, with a quick guide to base engines and turbocharged performance variants.
Non-turbo engine options
Non-turbo Omnis came with a pair of main inline-four powerplants, and output depends on year, carburetion vs. fuel injection, and emissions equipment.
- 1.7 L Slant-4: Approximately 75–90 hp across late-1970s to mid-1980s models, with variations due to carburetion and emissions requirements.
- 2.2 L Inline-4: Approximately 90–100 hp in typical late-1980s Omnis, with modest increases when fuel injection or updated tuning was used.
The non-turbo lineup delivered modest everyday performance, suitable for urban driving and daily commuting, but horsepower was generally under the 100-hp mark across most base configurations.
Turbocharged performance variants
Turbocharged and performance-oriented Omnis boosted power significantly, especially in the mid-to-late 1980s. Output varied by year, intercooling, and specific tuning.
- Turbocharged 2.2 L inline-4: Roughly 110–140 hp depending on year, with intercooling and fuel-management changes delivering higher outputs later in the run.
- GLH (Goes Like Hell) variants: About 110–130 hp in early to mid-1980s turbo applications, with stronger tune-ups pushing toward the upper end of that range.
- GLHS (Goes Like Hell S) variant: Approximately 174–175 hp, representing the peak power for the Omni turbocharged lineup during its production window.
These turbocharged models were the exception rather than the rule for the Omni, but they remain notable for turning the little hatchback into a genuine performance-focused machine for its era.
Notable models and power milestones
While the base Omni models emphasized practicality, certain limited editions and performance packages carved out a distinct place in the car’s history. The GLH and GLHS variants are especially remembered for their high horsepower relative to the standard Omni lineup.
TL;DR on power by model
In short, the Dodge Omni’s horsepower ranged from roughly 70–90 hp in standard non-turbo forms up to about 175 hp in the turbocharged GLHS, with mid-range turbo and non-turbo variants occupying the 100–140 hp window depending on year and configuration.
Summary
The Dodge Omni offered a spectrum of horsepower figures across its production years. Base, non-turbo models typically delivered under 100 hp, while turbocharged versions – especially the GLH/GLHS models – pushed outputs into the 100–175 hp range. The exact figure depended on year, engine variant, and equipment choices, making the Omni a diverse lineup for a compact car of its era.
