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Was the 440 faster than the 426 Hemi?

The 426 Hemi was generally faster in stock form than the standard 440 engines, though the 440 Six-Pack could close the gap in the right car. The answer depends on the exact model, drivetrain, and weight of the vehicle.

To understand why, this article breaks down engine specifications, era-typical horsepower ratings, and representative performance from Mopar’s muscle-car era, while noting how variations in configuration and testing affected results.

Engine specs at a glance

The following highlights the main differences that shaped acceleration and top speed.

426 Hemi (1964–1971): 426 cu in displacement; typically 425 gross horsepower and about 490 lb-ft of torque; high-revving delivery with strong late-band torque; common in B- and E-body Mopars as well as some full-size applications.

440 Magnum (1968–1971): 440 cu in displacement; commonly rated around 375–390 horsepower (gross, depending on year/config); torque roughly 480 lb-ft; used in a wide range of chassis, often with strong mid-range performance.

440 Six-Pack (1969–1971): 440 cu in with three two-barrel carburetors; about 390 horsepower gross and roughly 480–490 lb-ft torque; designed for robust mid-range "six-pack" performance and notable quarter-mile capability in lighter cars.

Notes: These numbers come from the era's gross ratings and varied with compression, exhaust, carburetion, and drivetrain. Real-world performance depended on setup, tires, and gearing. In practice, the Hemi typically delivered higher peak output and stronger high-rpm torque, while the Six-Pack 440 could be highly competitive in the right chassis.

In general terms, the 426 Hemi carried a stronger peak output and torque profile, giving it an edge in many configurations. The Six-Pack 440 could narrow the gap in lighter cars or with aggressive gearing, but it did not universally surpass the Hemi across the lineup.

Real-world performance in the showroom and on the drag strip

To illustrate typical results, here are the kinds of numbers enthusiasts cite for stock-era Mopars in comparable trim, noting that actual times varied with weight, gearing, and tires.

Before listing the most common ranges, it’s important to remember that factory tests and magazine comparisons from the era often used gross horsepower and varied with options, track conditions, and car weight.

426 Hemi (typical Barracuda, Charger, or Challenger configurations): 0–60 mph commonly in the mid-6-second range and 1/4-mile times roughly in the high 11-second to low 12-second range, with trap speeds around 118–120 mph in the best setups.

440 Six-Pack (similar-weight cars): 0–60 mph often in the mid-6 to low-7-second range and 1/4-mile times in the low to mid-11-second range, with trap speeds around 112–118 mph depending on gearing and tires.

440 Magnum (non-Six-Pack, heavier equipment): 0–60 mph around 6.5–7.5 seconds, and 1/4-mile runs typically in the 12-second range, generally slower than Hemis or Six-Pack cars of comparable weight.

The takeaway is that Hemis tended to win on straight-line acceleration and top-end performance in comparable cars; the Six-Pack could narrow the gap and occasionally outperform in very light or well-geared packages, but it was not consistently faster than a Hemi across the board.

Factors that could tilt the result

Weight, gearing, traction, and driver skill mattered as much as the engine. A lighter car with aggressive gears and good tires could out-accelerate a heavier Hemi-equipped model, especially in the 0–60 sprint; conversely, a heavier Hemi with optimal gearing and traction held a decisive edge in the 1/4 mile and top speed on many tracks.

Bottom line: engine choice and the era

In typical factory-spec performance, the 426 Hemi was faster overall, with the 440 Six-Pack able to challenge in tuned setups or lighter chassis. When comparing two cars from that era, look beyond the engine badge to weight, gearing, condition, and tires—the same engine could deliver different results in different cars.

Summary

The 426 Hemi generally outperformed the 440 engines in stock form, especially against the standard 440 and Magnum versions. The 440 Six-Pack could close the gap and even win in some circumstances, but Hemis remained the faster choice in most factory configurations and across many Mopar muscle-car matchups.

Is the 426 HEMI better than the 440?

The main differences are that the 426 Hemi is a legendary, more expensive engine designed for high-RPM racing with superior potential, while the 440 is a more affordable, versatile engine with better low-end torque, making it a better all-around street engine. The 426 Hemi is heavier due to its reinforced block and distinctive hemispherical cylinder heads, whereas the 440 has wedge-shaped combustion chambers and is lighter. For a street-driven car, the 440 is often the more practical and well-rounded choice, while the Hemi is the ultimate high-performance, race-oriented motor.
This video compares the 426 Hemi and 440 Six Pack engines: 1mFusion Motor CompanyYouTube · Dec 8, 2023

Feature	426 Hemi	440
Design	Hemispherical (Hemi) combustion chambers	Wedge-shaped combustion chambers
Performance	Superior high-end horsepower and racing potential	Better low-end torque, making it better for street use
Cost & Availability	More expensive and rarer	More affordable and abundant
Weight	Heavier due to a stronger, thicker block and heavier heads	Lighter
Build	Highly reinforced block designed for high pressure	Standard RB block casting
Practicality	Fickle to tune for the street; requires specific gearing for optimal performance	Easier to build for street use; more user-friendly

Why did NASCAR ban the 426 HEMI?

NASCAR banned the 426 Hemi for the 1965 season because it was deemed too dominant and was not available as a standard option in production vehicles. To compete, Chrysler was required to create a street-legal version of the Hemi, which they did for the 1966 model year, and the engine was then allowed back into the series. The ban was partly a result of political pressure from other teams and a general desire by NASCAR to level the playing field.

Overwhelming power: The 426 Hemi was extremely powerful, leading to a season where Chrysler cars dominated races, sometimes winning by a significant margin.
Production vehicle requirement: NASCAR had a rule that engines must be available in production cars sold to the public, and at the time, the full-race Hemi was not.
Political pressure: The engine's dominance led to complaints from rival teams, prompting NASCAR to intervene. Other manufacturer's engines, such as Ford's 427 SOHC, were also targeted by the new rules.
Chrysler's response: Chrysler responded by creating a detuned "Street Hemi" version of the engine for its 1966 model year cars, which allowed them to return to NASCAR competition.

What is the top speed of the 1969 Dodge Charger 440 RT?

The top speed of a 1969 Dodge Charger 440 R/T was likely around 150 mph, though this depends heavily on the specific configuration, such as gearing, engine condition, and even tire type. While not officially published, real-world accounts and the 150-mph speedometer found in some models suggest this figure, with some owners claiming to have nearly maxed out their speedometer.

Manufacturer specifications: While not an official published spec, the 150 mph speedometer in some R/T models indicates the potential top speed of the car.
Owner accounts: Some owners report reaching near or over 150 mph. One owner noted their car would "nearly max it out".
Factors affecting top speed: The actual top speed is heavily influenced by the car's specific setup, including the rear axle ratio, engine modifications, and tires.
Note on other models: It's important not to confuse this with the high-performance, specially-built, and aerodynamic Dodge Charger Daytona models, which achieved over 200 mph in NASCAR racing.

How much horsepower does a 426 HEMI have?

A stock, street-legal 426 Hemi engine produces 425 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, but race versions and modern crate engines can produce significantly more. For example, a NASCAR-spec Hemi could make around 650 horsepower, while some modern crate versions with superchargers can reach 1,000 horsepower or even more.

Stock vs. Modified

Stock street version: The engine, as sold in muscle cars from 1966 onwards, was rated at 425 hp and 490 lb-ft of torque.
Stock race version: NASCAR versions were detuned for competition and produced around 650 hp.
Modified and modern versions: Race-tuned engines can produce over 900 hp, while modern supercharged crate engines can exceed 1,000 hp.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.