5.0 VS 5.7 Hemi: Head-To-Head Comparison

When it comes to engines, two of the most popular engine choices are the 5.0 and 5.7 Hemi. Both of these engines are known for their power and performance. However, while considering the 5.0 vs 5.7 Hemi differences, you’ll notice each engine has its unique characteristics. 

So, what are the major differences between 5.0 and 5.7 Hemi?

The 5.7 Hemi engine has a larger displacement and a higher redline than the 5.0 engine. While the 5.7 Hemi is more powerful with higher towing capacity, the 5.0 engine is lighter and more fuel economical.

Want to discover the details? Let’s dive in.

What Are the Similarities Between 5.0 and 5.7 Hemi?

First things first, you must know the similarities both these engines share. The 5.0 and 5.7 Hemi are both popular V8 engine designs used in vehicles manufactured by Chrysler Group LLC (now known as Stellantis). 

Apart from the common production, the two engines are similar in many other ways including-

Both Engines Are V8 Engines 

As the 5.0 and 5.7 Hemi engines are both V8 engines, they have eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. 

Both these V8 engines are typically built with strong components to handle the increased power output.

When properly maintained, the 5.0 and 5.7 V8 Hemi engines are known for their durability and longevity, making them reliable options for long-term use.

Feature Hemispherical Combustion Chambers

Have you ever wondered what the term ‘Hemi’ refers to? Here, “Hemi” is short for “Hemispherical Combustion Chamber,” which describes the shape of the combustion chamber in the engine. 

It’s a unique design that features the Hemi technology. The hemispherical combustion chambers in both engines allow for better airflow and combustion, resulting in more power and better fuel efficiency.

Variable Valve Timing

In case you didn’t know, Variable Valve Timing (VVT) is an automotive engine technology that allows for the adjustment of the timing of the engine’s intake and/or exhaust valves. 

It is designed to optimize engine performance and efficiency across a range of operating conditions.

Both 5.0 and 5.7 Hemi feature the VVT technology. It provides flexibility in adjusting the valve timing of an engine, resulting in improved performance, fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions across various operating conditions. Overall, the variable valve timing in both engines allows for better control.

Cylinder Deactivation

To improve fuel efficiency, cylinder deactivation technology is employed in internal combustion engines like the 5.0 and 5.7 Hemi. 

It allows the engine to temporarily disable or deactivate a certain number of cylinders when they are not needed, such as during light-load conditions or when cruising at a steady speed.

When a cylinder is deactivated, it stops receiving fuel and spark, essentially turning it off.

By deactivating cylinders, the engine reduces the overall pumping losses and decreases the amount of fuel consumed. 

This leads to improved fuel economy because the engine is not working as hard when less power is required.

Both Engines Are Used In Trucks

Thanks to their power and towing capabilities, the 5.0 and 5.7 Hemi engines are both popular choices for trucks. 

Both engines allow the trucks to handle the demands of hauling heavy loads, towing trailers, and traversing various terrains.

The Hemi V8 engine’s power enables the truck to generate the necessary torque and horsepower required for these tasks.

5.0 VS 5.7 Hemi: Quick Comparison Table

In a hurry? Here is a quick comparison table that highlights the differences between the 5.0 and 5.7 Hemi engines:

Feature	5.0 Hemi	5.7 Hemi
Displacement	5.0 liters	5.7 liters
Horsepower	360 hp	395 hp
Torque	390 lb-ft	410 lb-ft
Fuel economy	17 mpg city/23 mpg highway	15 mpg city/22 mpg highway
Cylinder deactivation	Yes	Yes
Compression ratio	10.5:1	11.3:1
Valve train	DOHC	OHV
Redline	6,400 rpm	5,800 rpm

How Do The Differences Between 5.0 and 5.7 Hemi Impact?

With so many dissimilarities in their features, the differences between the 5.0 and 5.7 Hemi engines can have a significant impact on their performance and efficiency. 

Here are some of the most notable differences and how they impact the engines:

Displacement

The 5.7 Hemi engine has a larger displacement than the 5.0 Hemi engine, so it can produce more power and torque. 

When referring to engines, displacement is a measurement of the total volume capacity of all the cylinders in an engine. It is typically measured in cubic centimeters (cc) or liters (L).

A larger engine displacement means that the cylinders in the engine have a greater volume capacity, which generally leads to more power and torque output. 

So, with a larger displacement, the 5.7 Hemi allows for a greater amount of fuel and air to be burned, resulting in increased power and acceleration potential.

This is particularly advantageous for high-performance applications like sports cars or heavy-duty vehicles that require substantial power output.

Fuel Economy

Thanks to its smaller displacement and higher compression ratio, the 5.0 Hemi engine has better fuel economy than the 5.7 Hemi engine. 

Generally, larger engines consume more fuel due to the increased amount of fuel and air needed for combustion.

It can result in lower fuel efficiency compared to smaller displacement engines, especially in daily commuting scenarios or when fuel economy is a priority.

Valve Train

What makes the 5.0 Hemi engine unique is its dual overhead cam (DOHC) valve train. It allows for better control over the engine’s performance. 

On the other hand, the 5.7 Hemi engine has an overhead valve (OHV) valve train, which is simpler but less efficient.

OHV designs typically have fewer valves compared to DOHC systems, usually consisting of two valves per cylinder (one intake and one exhaust). Whereas, DOHC designs often incorporate four valves per cylinder (two intake and two exhaust).

With more valves per cylinder, DOHC engines can achieve larger valve sizes and greater valve area, enhancing the engine’s breathing capability. 

Overall, the 5.7 Hemi with its DOHC system provides more precise control over valve operation, enabling higher engine speeds and improved performance.

Redline

The 5.0 Hemi engine has a higher redline than the 5.7 Hemi engine, which means it can rev higher and produce more power. 

In an engine, the redline refers to the maximum rotational speed (measured in revolutions per minute, or RPM) at which the engine’s crankshaft can safely operate. 

It represents the upper limit beyond which it is not recommended to continuously operate the engine.

When an engine has a higher redline, it means that it can rotate at a higher speed before reaching its maximum limit.

Generally, engines with higher redlines are associated with certain advantages such as greater performance potential and responsiveness.

In performance-oriented applications where high RPM operation is crucial, the higher redline of the 5.7 Hemi can be particularly beneficial.

Horsepower and Torque

As the 5.7L Hemi produces 15 to 20 hp more than the 5.0L Hemi, the 5.7L engine has a slight edge in horsepower. 

The 5.0-liter Hemi engine is commonly found in vehicles like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango. In its most common configuration, this engine produces around 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft (pound-feet) of torque.

On the other hand, the 5.7-liter Hemi engine is a larger displacement variant that is available in various Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram models. 

The power output of the 5.7-liter Hemi can vary depending on the specific model and generation.

In general, the 5.7-liter Hemi produces around 395 to 400 horsepower and 410 to 420 lb-ft of torque.

With its higher horsepower and torque, the 5.7L Hemi will offer better acceleration and towing performance.

5.7 VS 5.0 Hemi: Which One Is Better?

With its high power, advanced technology, and greater efficiency, the 5.7 Hemi is an overall better choice over the 5.0 engine. However, the answer to this question depends on your needs and preferences.

If you prioritize fuel economy and a more advanced valve train, the 5.0 Hemi engine might be the better choice for you.

On the other hand, if you need more power and torque, the 5.7 Hemi engine might be the better choice. Ultimately, both engines are powerful and reliable, so you can’t go wrong with either one.

FAQs

Got more queries? Let’s take a look at our FAQs section where we address common inquiries and provide helpful answers.

What vehicles use the 5.0 and 5.7 Hemi engines?

The 5.0 and 5.7 Hemi engines are used in a variety of vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and muscle cars. Some popular vehicles that use these engines include the Ram 1500, Dodge Challenger, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Can you upgrade a 5.0 Hemi engine to a 5.7 Hemi engine?

It is possible to upgrade a 5.0 Hemi engine to a 5.7 Hemi engine, but it can be a complex and expensive process. It may be more cost-effective to simply purchase a vehicle with a 5.7 Hemi engine if that is what you need.

Which engine is more fuel-efficient, the 5.0 or 5.7 Hemi?

The 5.0 Hemi engine is more fuel-efficient than the 5.7 Hemi engine, thanks to its smaller displacement and higher compression ratio.

Are the 5.0 and 5.7 Hemi engines reliable?

Yes, both the 5.0 and 5.7 Hemi engines are known for their reliability and durability. They are both well-engineered and built to last.