Why the horsepower unit is a historical relic that makes no sense today

James Watt created the horsepower unit in the 1700s to compare steam engines to horses. This video breaks down why this imperial measurement persists, how it compares to metric alternatives like PS and kW, and why it is fundamentally an illogical way to measure power.

The unit of horsepower originated in the 1700s as a marketing tool for James Watt to demonstrate the capability of his steam engines against the work capacity of horses. Despite its widespread use in modern automotive engineering, the unit lacks a logical basis for contemporary power measurement.

The video examines the various abbreviations used globally, including HP, CV, PS, and kW. It explores Watt's original calculations and argues that the industry should shift toward more scientifically consistent units of power.

Source: What Is Horsepower & Why It's A Dumb Unit - America vs Metric