Which had more power?
The original Chrysler Hemi or Todays version?

 

This is an absolute no brainer......since the current "Hemi" motor isnt a Hemi.....

However, since we're playing the game.......

It's still the original Hemi by a mile....as most of those motors were putting out well over 500hp....some as high as 800hp on the stock setup...

 

I have a '67 Hemi as well, and for brute power, there is no comparison...but hey, that 426 cubes vs. 345 and real hemispherical combusition chambers vs. flat tops with asimilar valve train. Overall, the new hemi is quite impressive, defintely more street friendly and an overall great motor. There is tons of debate and info on the differences between the two here and at other sites, but that's my two cents. The 6.1 version or 6.4 are even more impressive and I look forward to trying one in the new Challenger.

 

6.1, 6.4, blah, how about this one....

http://www.mopartsracing.com/parts/blocks.html

 

Remember to make the adjustments between net and gross hp when you compare them. The 392 crate engine produces more power than the 426 HEMI was rated at, but in all fairness, I don't think you can accurately compare the two of them. A lot of technological advancements since the 60s & early 70s. If both were made at the same time with the same technology, the big block would most likely prevail in the category of sheer power and torque.

Also remember the 426 was NOT the original HEMI, the first HEMI that Chrysler put into a production car was a small block from the 50s. Before that they made one for an aircraft for WWII, and I believe it was some other company that actually came up with the idea.