Why your car's engine power is never actually reaching the wheels
In short: Ever wondered why the horsepower rating on a spec sheet differs from what actually hits the pavement? This video explains the critical distinction between engine and wheel horsepower.
The difference between horsepower (hp) and wheel horsepower (whp) lies entirely in where the measurement occurs. Engine horsepower is measured at the flywheel, whereas wheel horsepower is measured directly at the wheels.
This discrepancy exists because of power losses that occur throughout the drivetrain as energy moves from the engine to the road.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Engine Horsepower vs Wheel Horsepower - HP vs WHP
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