What was the top speed of the Dodge Magnum?
The top speed of a Dodge Magnum varies by generation and engine, with the fastest version being the 2005–2008 Magnum SRT-8 at about 175 mph. Other variants were slower, and older generations offered different performance figures depending on powertrain and gearing. This article breaks down the speeds you could expect from the different Dodge Magnum models.
Modern Dodge Magnum (2005–2008) and Performance
When Dodge revived the Magnum name as a mid-2000s wagon, it offered a range of engines from practical to high-performance. Here are the commonly cited top speeds by configuration.
Engine options and speeds
- 3.5L V6: about 125 mph
- 5.7L Hemi V8: about 150 mph
- 6.1L Hemi SRT-8: about 175 mph
These figures reflect factory specifications and typical testing. Real-world speeds depend on tires, gearing, aerodynamics, and other conditions.
Classic Dodge Magnum (1970s and early variants)
The original Dodge Magnum lineup in the 1970s spanned performance-oriented sedans and early wagon variants. Top speeds in this era were influenced by heavy bodies, curb weights, gearing, and the era’s tire technology, resulting in numbers that generally sat in the muscle-car range but varied by engine and axle setup.
Notable powertrains and typical speeds
- 383 cu in V8 (4-barrel): roughly 130–140 mph
- 440 cu in V8 (with performance variants): roughly 140–150 mph
In the 1970s, top-end performance was often balanced with fuel economy regulations, insurance costs, and tire technology, so while these cars could deliver strong acceleration, top speeds were frequently in the low-to-mid 100s mph range for everyday driving configurations. Gearing and options significantly affected the final figure.
Summary
Across generations, the Dodge Magnum’s top speed varied widely. The fastest production version was the 2005–2008 Magnum SRT-8, with a top speed around 175 mph. Non-SRT versions from the same era typically reached around 125–150 mph, while vintage 1970s Magnums generally fell into a similar or slightly lower band due to heavier design and era constraints. In all cases, final top speeds depend on specific model, drivetrain, tires, and gearing.
Is the V8 Magnum a good engine?
Yes, the V8 Magnum is generally considered a good and reliable engine, especially the 5.9L and 5.2L models, but it has some well-known issues that require attention. Its strengths include good power for its era, affordability and availability of parts, and a reputation for longevity with proper care. The main drawbacks are common problems like intake manifold plenum gasket leaks, which cause oil burning, and the potential for cracked cylinder heads in some cases.
Pros
- Good power and torque: The Magnum V8 offered strong performance for its time, making it capable for both daily driving and towing.
- Reliability: It is known for being a robust and long-lasting engine, with many examples exceeding 300,000 miles when properly maintained.
- Affordable parts: The engines were produced in large numbers for many different Chrysler vehicles, meaning parts are widely available and relatively inexpensive.
Cons
- Plenum gasket leaks: A very common issue is the intake manifold plenum gasket failing, which allows oil to leak into the lifter valley and be consumed by the engine, leading to oil burning.
- Cracked cylinder heads: The factory cast-iron cylinder heads can be prone to cracking, especially on high-mileage engines.
- Lack of modern power: While powerful for its time, its horsepower and torque figures lag behind newer V8 engines from today's market.
Overall
The V8 Magnum is a solid, dependable engine, particularly if you find one with a well-maintained history. It is a workhorse that can last a very long time, but it's wise to budget for and be prepared to address the common problems, especially the intake plenum gasket leaks.
How fast is the Dodge Magnum?
The top speed of a Dodge Magnum depends on the model, with the SRT8 version reaching a factory-limited top speed of around 169-170 mph. The 5.7L R/T model is limited to about 130 mph.
This video demonstrates the performance of a 2006 Dodge Magnum SRT8: 1mJalopy JeffYouTube · Mar 26, 2025
- SRT8: Approximately 169-170 mph (electronically limited). This is the high-performance model with a 6.1L V8 engine.
- 5.7L R/T: Around 130 mph (electronically limited). This model is equipped with the 5.7L V8 engine.
What is the top speed of the Dodge Magnum SRT8?
The top speed for a Dodge Magnum SRT8 is around 170 mph, though sources provide a range from 169 mph to 170 mph. This performance is achieved with a 6.1L Hemi V8 engine producing 425 horsepower, allowing the car to go from 0-60 mph in just over 5 seconds.
You can watch this video to learn more about the Dodge Magnum SRT8: 1mJalopy JeffYouTube · Mar 26, 2025
- Top Speed: Approximately 170 mph (274 km/h)
- 0-60 mph Acceleration: Around 5.1 seconds
- Engine: 6.1L Hemi V8 with 425 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic
How much horsepower does a 5.7 HEMI Magnum have?
The Magnum had four engine options; the SE features the 190 hp (142 kW) 2.72 L LH V6, the SXT had the 250 hp (190 kW) 3.5 L V6, and the RT had the new 340 hp (254 kW) 5.7 L Hemi V8. The SRT-8 has a 425 hp (317 kW) 6.1 L Hemi engine.
