ok, dont laugh but not sure if this is a dumb question
is an 87 camaro's horsepower of 170 equal to todays 170 horsepower? or is todays faster?
thanks bub

 

I'm gonna say possibly yes and no. Hp is Hp but 170 is PEAK Hp so a new car can have 170 but if it has a flater Hp curve it will have a higher average Hp over the whole rev band which could make them faster if they have comparable weight and gearing.

 

I may be off-base here, but it almost sounds like you're referring to the GROSS and NET horsepower ratings that changed the way the manufacturers listed the engine's output.

I think it was 1971 when they made the transition, but a 350 HP (gross) rating could be about the same as a 290 net HP rating.

Either way, I don't believe the rating system has changed since then, it is still run with the as-equipped air filter system, exhaust and all accessories driven.

Tom91Bird has a good point, 170 HP in a 2003 model could come with a bunch more useable torque than something built in '87.

 

I'll agree that since the early '70's, 170 net HP is 170 net HP. Gross doesn't include any accessories (water pump, alternator); air cleaner and exhaust used was optional. Net has to have water pump and alternator driven by the engine, the exhaust system and air cleaner that will be used in the chassis into which the engine is goin.

The way an engine gets to 170 HP is an entirely different matter. A 305 cid V8 that produces 170 HP at 4200 RPMs will drive completely different than a 120 cid 4-cyl that produces 170 HP at 6200 RPMs.

 

DUDE!!!!!!! You are SOOO RIGHT!!!!!! :rockon: That's what I keep telling everyone, but they refuse to listen.

Average HP and average TQ are what matter, not peak HP and TQ. Peak HP is nice to talk about, but how you get there is much more important.

AJ