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Thread: What is horsepower?

  1. #1
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    What is horsepower?

    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
    Last edited by morepower; 06-25-2005 at 11:13 PM.

  2. #2
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    Horsepower sells cars, torque moves them.

    http://auto.howstuffworks.com/horsepower.htm

  3. #3
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    horsepower is mystical elves that run on on the top of the wheels and drink gas


    Sweeney921-UCP's only mountain biker?

    how exactly do you "mountain" bike in richmond....
    pondering things

  4. #4
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    horsepower is worthless if the car itself is way over heavy(chrysler 300C).

    as you said there are many other factors nowdays like weight, aero, driveline and drivers themselves.
    1993 nissan 240sx hatchback(stock) <<drifter, straight liner, road courser

    "Horsepower is the force that determines how fast you hit the wall. Torque is the force that determines how far you take the wall with you after you hit it."

    "Horsepower sells cars, torque wins races" - Carroll Shelby

    "Real cars don't make power at the front wheels....they lift them."

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by TheOne
    as you said there are many other factors nowdays like weight, aero, driveline and drivers themselves
    like a car with 1000bhp and 170ft-lb
    pondering things

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sweeney921
    Horsepower sells cars, torque moves them.

    http://auto.howstuffworks.com/horsepower.htm
    I like that

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by targa
    like a car with 1000bhp and 170ft-lb
    What you are saying is a car is useless if it can quickly produce torque if it only can produce 170 ft-lbs? Are you implying that a power means nothing if torque is not produced?

  8. #8
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    well there's the thing that says hp = torque x rpm.
    1993 nissan 240sx hatchback(stock) <<drifter, straight liner, road courser

    "Horsepower is the force that determines how fast you hit the wall. Torque is the force that determines how far you take the wall with you after you hit it."

    "Horsepower sells cars, torque wins races" - Carroll Shelby

    "Real cars don't make power at the front wheels....they lift them."

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by morepower
    What you are saying is a car is useless if it can quickly produce torque if it only can produce 170 ft-lbs? Are you implying that a power means nothing if torque is not produced?
    well, power means nothing if torque is not produced...thats a fact

    and effectivly, power means nothing if there is an inadequate amount of torque to support it, yes....thats what i am implying
    pondering things

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by targa
    well, power means nothing if torque is not produced...thats a fact

    and effectivly, power means nothing if there is an inadequate amount of torque to support it, yes....thats what i am implying
    Why is torque so important if it can be multiplied indefinitely via gearing, whereas power cannot?
    "In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are not."

  11. #11
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    Torque's the actual force, power is an equation derived from the force and the speed, in the case of engines its revs. The way i see it, both dont mean much unless you know what car theyre in bla bla bla
    I am the Stig

  12. #12
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    I'm starting to get scared.....
    ....this stuff is so confusing

    Hehehe

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by targa
    Sweeney921-UCP's only mountain biker?

    how exactly do you "mountain" bike in richmond....
    Trips to the blue ridge mountains are pretty nice.

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by targa
    how exactly do you "mountain" bike in richmond....
    He never said he "mountain bikes" in richmond.....

  15. #15
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    some people have tooooo much HP that cant handle it,,,ill take torque any day.
    Some Rulers Are Immortalized In Marble Others,
    In Carbon Fiber.{Hard Core Audi Fan}Ich Fahr Omnibus!
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