The question wording sucks, but that is really the only way to compare the 2, same displacement (volumetric efficiency), gearing (torque multiplier), aerodynamics and mass of the 2 cars being compared.

Peak hp certainly has it's place, drag racing and road racers with the right drivetrain can harness a narrow powerband, guys at Bonneville definitely only go for peak power.

Horsepower as seen at the wheels or rather the contact patch is really all that maters. And people need to put more emphasis on torque.

 

midrange is under the curve is it not? You just repeated what I said. I think it depends on the type of power adder. Turbos are more peaky and PD blowers have power from idle. 2 engines, same displacement, and same numbers on the rollers I'd take n/a over FI.

-Mark

 

your never going to get the same numbers ( hp and torque ) between the same 2 motors one being forced induction and the other being N/A. Your never going to have the torque potential with a N/A car that a forced induction car will have.

 

john and mark said it best.

numbers are numbers, but the powerband/area under the curve will affect which one would technically "work" better (i.e. - be faster).

if you wanted to get technical, you could take an all motor 300hp car and an FI 300hp car, both with completely different powerbands, but if you were to set up gearing in the car with the smaller powerband, you could probably get them to accelerate the same.

ive always said powerband > peak


and yes i remember that 240 matchup :gordy:


case in point, this is why people make fun of supras, because the way it used to be was you go out and throw $xx,xxx at the car.

the supra would be:
-800 whp peak
-500 whp or more for 1000rpm

and get spanked by a car like this:
-600whp peak
-500whp or more for 3000rpm

not taking into account weight, driver, tire, etc.