Ok, for those of you who I haven't met yet, which is most, I have a newfound interest in cars (with the S in particular) and I have been following the site for a couple of weeks. I have a lot of questions popping up, so I was hoping someone wouldn't mind helping out a (hopefully) future S owner.

My first question is: what exactly is the difference between HP and HP at the wheels? My understanding from what I have read is that not all the HP produced by the engine is acutally used to put the car in motion. Is that right? If so, why is this? Just extra energy needed to overcome inertia or what?

Thanks!!

 

the engine hp rating is power at the flywheel. after that power goes through the transmission, propeller shaft, diff assy, half shafts and then to the wheels. All those things have mass and friction resistance so they cause a drop in power from the engine to the wheels.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by josh3io
[B]the engine hp rating is power at the flywheel.

 

Definitely helps! Thanks! How do other cars compare when it comes to losing HP in the process? What kind of mods do people make to their S to overcome this problem?

 

A rule of thumb would be a 16% loss of hp from flywheel to the rear wheels.

 

"What kind of mods do people make to their S to overcome this problem?"


Turn your engine sideways and make the car a front wheel drive