Is the 5.7 Hemi charger fast?

For a large four-door muscle car, the 5.7 Hemi Charger is quick. In most configurations, you can expect 0-60 mph in roughly 5.0–5.5 seconds with a modern automatic, making it fast for daily driving and straight-line speed, but not in the lane of modern supercars.

To understand what that means, it helps to break down the engine, transmission, and drivetrain options, and to compare how different trims and setups influence acceleration. The 5.7-liter Hemi is a venerable powerplant in the Charger lineup, delivering solid torque and a thunderous V8 note, while the chassis and weight of the Charger shape its overall speed profile.

What powers the speed: engine, transmission, and weight

The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 typically produces around 370 horsepower and about 395 lb-ft of torque, depending on model year and calibrations. This provides strong low-end and mid-range torque that helps the Charger launch with authority, especially from a standstill or at highway speeds when merging.

Most modern Chargers with the 5.7 Hemi use an eight-speed automatic transmission, which helps optimize gearing for smoother shifts and better acceleration. Older configurations relied on a five-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is available in some years, but rear-wheel drive remains the preferred setup for sportier feel and quicker launches in many drivers’ hands.

Weight plays a big role. Chargers with the 5.7 Hemi are heavy, often around 4,000 pounds or more depending on options. That heft can temper acceleration relative to lighter performance coupes, but the engine’s torque helps keep the pace convincing in everyday driving and on the highway.

0-60 times by configuration

Below is a quick snapshot of how acceleration can vary across common configurations of the 5.7 Hemi Charger. Times can vary with tires, altitude, weather, and how the car is equipped or tuned.

• Rear-wheel drive, 5.7 Hemi, eight-speed automatic: typically about 5.0–5.3 seconds 0–60 mph.


• All-wheel drive, 5.7 Hemi, eight-speed automatic: typically about 5.5–6.0 seconds 0–60 mph.


• Older generations or configurations with a five-speed automatic: roughly 5.5–6.0 seconds 0–60 mph, depending on calibration and tires.

Note: These ranges reflect common factory and published figures, but real-world numbers can swing based on tires (seasonal/quality), launch technique, fuel grade, vehicle weight, and whether the car is in a sport or performance mode.

Practical factors that affect acceleration

Understanding the numbers means considering what you actually experience behind the wheel. The Charger’ s acceleration is highly sensitive to these factors:

• Tire condition and type: performance tires grip better and improve launch, while worn all-season tires can sap grip.


• Launch mode and transmission settings: sport or performance modes can sharpen shifts and throttle response.


• Vehicle weight and fuel load: a heavier car or a near-full fuel tank robs some acceleration potential.


• Elevation and air temperature: hot days and high altitudes reduce engine power slightly; cooler temps can help with denser air intake.


• Maintenance and condition of the drivetrain: spark plugs, throttle response, and transmission fluid health can influence performance.

In the real world, a well-maintained 5.7 Hemi Charger with a healthy set of tires in good conditions tends to feel notably quick from a standstill and in midrange passing maneuvers, but it won’t match the blistering acceleration of high-end modern sports cars or specialized performance cars.

Bottom line

The 5.7 Hemi Charger offers solid, satisfying acceleration for a full-size sedan, delivering respectable mid-five-second 0–60 times in its more common rear-drive configurations and slightly slower times with all-wheel drive. It excels in torque-rich, everyday driving and provides an unmistakable V8 soundtrack, but it’s not built to compete with the fastest modern performance machines. If you’re chasing the quickest possible acceleration in a Charger, you’d typically look to higher-performance variants and trims beyond the 5.7 setup, such as higher-displacement Hemi options or other performance packages.

Summary

In summary, the 5.7 Hemi Charger is fast for a large sedan, offering strong torque and satisfying acceleration without the extreme numbers seen in high-end sports cars. Expect roughly 5.0–5.5 seconds 0–60 in common setups, with variations driven by drivetrain, tires, and year. For outright speed, higher-performance trims and different powertrains are the path to quicker times, but the 5.7 Hemi remains a compelling blend of power, practicality, and classic V8 character.

Are 5.7 Hemi chargers reliable?

The 5.7L HEMI is a well-established Mopar engine that has been refined over many model years. It has a strong reputation for reliability when cared for properly. As a rear-wheel drive (RWD) sports car, it offers a pure and engaging driving experience.

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. 

How much HP can you get out of a 5.7 Hemi?

A stock 5.7L Hemi produces between 340340340 and 420420420 horsepower, but with modifications, it can reliably handle over 500500500 wheel horsepower and potentially reach 600600600 horsepower or more, though this requires upgraded internal components like forged pistons and connecting rods for higher power goals beyond 500−550500 minus 550500−550 crank horsepower. Upgrades can include a custom tune, improved exhaust (like headers), and forced induction (turbos or superchargers) to significantly increase power. 
This video demonstrates how to get 400+ wheel horsepower from a 5.7 Hemi: 1m8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Sep 10, 2024
Stock and basic modifications

• Stock: Factory-built engines produce between 340340340 and 420420420 horsepower, depending on the specific model and year. 
• Tuning: A simple performance tune can add 10−4010 minus 4010−40 horsepower, bringing the total to roughly 400−435400 minus 435400−435 horsepower. 
• Bolt-ons: Other basic bolt-on parts, like a high-flow air intake and performance exhaust headers, can also provide gains. 

Moderate to high-performance modifications

• Forced induction: Adding a turbocharger or supercharger is an effective way to make substantial power. A turbo system with 888 psi of boost has been shown to produce nearly 600600600 hp, while a supercharger can add over 160160160 hp. 
• Internal upgrades: To handle more power, especially above 500−550500 minus 550500−550 crank horsepower, the stock internal components must be upgraded. 
  • Rotating assembly: Stock connecting rods are a weak point. Replacing them with forged rods is recommended when aiming for power levels of 500500500 wheel horsepower and above. 
  • Crankshaft: The stock cast crankshaft is good for about 650650650 hp, but for more extreme builds, a forged crankshaft is necessary. 
• High-HP builds: With a fully forged internal setup, a 5.7 Hemi can be built to handle over 100010001000 horsepower. 

This video shows how to add power to a 5.7 Hemi with supercharger: 1mMod StarzYouTube · Aug 22, 2023

How fast is a 5.7 Hemi charger?

A Dodge Charger with a 5.7L Hemi engine has a top speed of about 155 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.0 to 5.2 seconds. The exact performance can vary slightly by model year and other factors like transmission, but the R/T trim, which uses this engine, is known for this level of performance.
 
You can watch this video to see a 2021 Dodge Charger R/T's performance test: 19sDM Car ReviewsYouTube · Nov 30, 2023

• Top Speed: Approximately 155 mph
• 0-60 mph: Around 5.0 to 5.2 seconds
• Engine: 5.7L HEMI V8 with 370 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic