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In researching an UN-impressive car for my kid, I was surprised to learn that Honda Accord has 250 horsepower for the high end trim. By comparison, my 2000 Mustang GT, a muscle car, only has 260 horsepower. I know they are 20 years apart, but it's still surprising to see Honda Accord and Mustang having same hp.
Then, just out of curiosity, I looked up the horsepower data for my first car, the 1982 Pontiac Trans Am. And there was an even bigger shocker: Pontiac Trans Am, supposedly another muscle car, and it did drive like having lots of power, had a meager 145 horsepower if online data is correct.
What's going on here? Are horsepowers today not delivering as much as before? Or does Honda Accord drive like a sports car today?
No, it's not an optical illusion - cars are more powerful today than they've ever been, and if you look at the 0-60 acceleration times from 20 years ago versus today, you'll see the results.
In researching an UN-impressive car for my kid, I was surprised to learn that Honda Accord has 250 horsepower for the high end trim. By comparison, my 2000 Mustang GT, a muscle car, only has 260 horsepower. I know they are 20 years apart, but it's still surprising to see Honda Accord and Mustang having same hp.
Then, just out of curiosity, I looked up the horsepower data for my first car, the 1982 Pontiac Trans Am. And there was an even bigger shocker: Pontiac Trans Am, supposedly another muscle car, and it did drive like having lots of power, had a meager 145 horsepower if online data is correct.
What's going on here? Are horsepowers today not delivering as much as before? Or does Honda Accord drive like a sports car today?
Just depending on what type and class of car you are asking about. In general, I would say not really, as fuel consumption is more and more of an issue for years now. In the muscle car class, they pack in more and more power each year seems like, in trying to outdo their rivals. I've seen some manufactures have actually cut back in the horsepower on some models. High end electric cars have tons of power, as fuel is not an issue with them.
New school hustle beats old school muscle. A V6 Camry or Accord will embarrass a lot of cars.
I agree.
And to "Robert Fisher", it's true that a Pontiac T/A, as well as it's cousin, the Camaro Z/28 had only 145-150HP back in those days. However, they were reasonable light cars, back then, and they were quite nimble, which added to the impression of performance. (I owned an '85 Firebird, for a number of years....)
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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My F150 5.0 V8 is 375 HP, and gets 16/21 mpg. I had a 1972 El Camino with a larger 350 V8 that was only 330 HP, and got 10-14 mpg. Yes, engines have come a long way. Many, however, are gaining horsepower with better mileage by adding a turbo, potentially a problematic future repair expense.
It is really torque rather than horsepower that really matters to most people. Few people will ever drive their car at its top speed which for many cars is approaching 150 mph or more.
Both HP ratings and the torque generated by the higher horsepower motors are increasing. However small turbos tend to lack torque at least comparatively. They like to advertise the hig HP at high revs that they can get, but which you will never use. Even the small turbo engines are improving torque though.
Electric vehicles conceptually have unlimited torque. At least if you do not mind draining the battery nearly instantly. That is the nature of electric motors. 100% of their available torque is available the instant you touch the pedal. ICE engines have to rev up to get to their torque peak. However on any kind of car, the car is not made to take 100% of the torque from any kind of engine and the tires will not hold traction.
BUt yes, today even an average toaster car is as fast/quick or faster/quicker than the muscle cars and most sports cars of the past. Many cars, including mustangs hae an optional key fob for your kids that limits the speed/accelleration and some also have features like turning down the radio if seat belts are not fastened.
It's called Progress. Manufacturers are learning how to wring more HP out of smaller displacement engines.
Yes a new Accord has the same HP as a 20 year old Mustang (although less torque than a V8) but compare that to a 2022 Mustang which makes anywhere from 310-760HP depending on which model you get.
Those older torque V8's do give an illusion of having more power than they did, as newer engines are just smoother. I've driven worked on many Mustangs from 79-current and always remark how the older cars feel more raw and powerful than the newer stuff due to the power curves and driving characteristics, even though it's not the case. They make a lot of low-end torque, while the power for the newer stuff comes on at the higher RPM's giving a much smoother feel. A new Mustang GT rolls off the line with 450HP and idles like an Accord and drives so smoothly until you step on the go pedal fully.
You need more HP because cars are getting bigger and heavier.
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