What engine does a Dodge Daytona have?
The Dodge Daytona name has been used for two very different cars, each with its own engine lineup. If you’re asking about a classic Daytona, the answer depends on which generation you mean: the iconic 1969–1970 Charger Daytona with big-block V8s, or the 1984–1993 front-wheel-drive Daytona built on a K-car platform with turbocharged inline-four engines.
A look back at two eras, two powertrains
Below are the primary engine options that defined each generation of the Dodge Daytona. For owners or buyers, these outlines help distinguish whether you’re dealing with a vintage drag-racer-inspired muscle car or a turbocharged front-wheel-drive compact from the 1980s and early 1990s.
1969–1970 Dodge Charger Daytona
Engine options for the Charger Daytona centered on big-block V8s favored by performance enthusiasts and NASCAR homologation programs. The most notable choices were:
- 440 cubic inch V8 (Magnum) with 4-barrel configuration or the high-performance 440 Six-Pack option (three two-barrel carburetors)
- 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 (optional, rare and highly sought-after)
These engines gave the Daytona its signature straight-line speed and required the car’s distinctive aero package to maximize on-track performance. The Daytona’s powertrain, in this era, was defined by large displacement V8s rather than forced induction or modern turbocharging.
1984–1993 Dodge Daytona (K-car based)
The Daytona from this era shifted to a front-wheel-drive, turbocharged four-cylinder layout, with several engine options built around Mitsubishi-derived powerplants and Chrysler engineering. The core choices were:
- 2.2-liter inline-four, naturally aspirated
- 2.2-liter inline-four, turbocharged (Turbo I)
- 2.2-liter inline-four, turbocharged with intercooler (Turbo II)
- 2.5-liter inline-four, naturally aspirated (used in non-turbo Daytona variants)
This generation is notable for bringing turbocharging to a mainstream front-wheel-drive Dodge, delivering a different kind of performance focused on acceleration and handling rather than raw V8 horsepower. The Turbo I and Turbo II variants used turbocharged four-cylinders with intercooling in some trims, while NA versions offered simpler, lower-output operation.
What this means for enthusiasts and collectors
If you’re chasing a Daytona’s engine history, the distinction between generations is crucial. The 1969–1970 Charger Daytona represents Chrysler’s big-block era, where V8 power and aerodynamic design went hand in hand. The 1984–1993 Daytona embodies the era of turbocharged small-blocks and front-wheel drive, a shift toward efficiency, turbo accuracy, and modern-day performance semantics.
Summary
In short, the Dodge Daytona’s engine depends on the model year. The early Charger Daytona used large V8s (notably the 440 Magnum and optional 426 Hemi). The later Daytona relied on 2.2-liter inline-four engines, with Turbo I and Turbo II variants providing most of the performance, plus naturally aspirated 2.2 or 2.5-liter options for non-turbo models. If you have a specific year or model variant in mind, I can break down the exact engine options and configurations for that version.
What engine is in a Dodge Daytona?
| Dodge Daytona | |
|---|---|
| Platform | G-body |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.2 L K I4 2.2 L Turbo I I4 2.2 L Turbo II I4 2.2 L Turbo III I4 2.5 L K I4 2.5 L Turbo I I4 3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic |
Is a Daytona faster than a RT?
Is the Dodge Charger RT or Daytona faster? The Charger RT is a fast car that makes 370 horsepower, but the upcoming Charger Daytona EV is set to be even faster, since its weakest form should arrive with 455 horsepower.
How much horsepower is in a Daytona?
"Daytona HP" refers to the performance of the Dodge Charger Daytona, a high-performance electric car with different horsepower figures depending on the trim level. The R/T model has a base horsepower of 456 hp (496 hp with "Power Shot"), while the Scat Pack model reaches a peak of 670 hp with the "Power Shot" boost, making it capable of a 3.3-second 0-60 mph time.
You can watch this video to see a review of the 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack: 1mCarGurusYouTube · Aug 11, 2025
2025 Dodge Charger Daytona performance by trim
- Daytona R/T
- Base Horsepower: 456 hp
- With Power Shot: 496 hp
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 5 seconds
- Torque: 404 lb-ft
- Daytona Scat Pack
- Base Horsepower: 630 hp
- With Power Shot: 670 hp
- 0-60 mph: 3.3 seconds
- Torque: 627 lb-ft
This video demonstrates the performance of the 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack: 59sRaiti's RidesYouTube · Apr 16, 2025
Key features and technology
- All-wheel drive (AWD): Both trims come standard with dual electric motors that provide all-wheel drive.
- Power Shot: A temporary boost of horsepower activated by a button, which provides added power for a limited time (15 seconds in some cases).
- Race prep mode: This feature conditions the battery for consistent performance, allowing for repeated hard acceleration runs without significant power loss.
- Limited-slip differential: The Scat Pack model includes a limited-slip differential in the rear motor to improve traction during launches.
Is a Daytona faster than a Hellcat?
Yet, the 670-hp Daytona Scat Pack's 60-mph time of 3.3 seconds outruns the 797-hp Challenger Hellcat Redeye's time of 3.6 seconds. Of course, the Scat Pack has the advantage of an all-wheel-drive launch, while the Redeye tries to hook up only its rear tires to do the deed.
