To all the real automotive enthusiasts: I know the title sounds really stupid but I was wondering if horsepower really determine's a cars performence (from an ignorant car fanatic). While I admit there is many other factors to consider in car performance (weight, aerodynamics, transmission/driveline). For example, every run-of-the-mill car now a days has high 100s (170+) to mid-high 200s. Does this mean they whip cars from just a decade(s) ago with inferior hp ratings like the 70s-80s corvettes? One example is the 3.0L (222 hp) v6 2000 Maxima, but now an equivalent engine produces 250+. Does this mean anything? Dodge's RAM SRT-10 limits are tested by an horsepower inferior Ford SVT Lightning? While a horsepower rating is much less? Also what is with Chrysler's 300C SRT-8 with a 425 hp engine (more than a Z06 Corvette) only moving from 0-60 in mid 5s? In physics, power = force*velocity. (1 hp ~= 750 W = 1 kg * m^2/ sec^3) Therefore there is a direct relationship between how fast an engine can produce a force in a given time.
Are car companies bragging about 'peak theroretical horsepower' instead of real power to draw attention, unlike previous years? Much like my vacuum cleaner produces 5 hp and draws only 6 amps!!!
Thanks