At First Vehicle Leasing, we know all too well that the motor industry has its own special language. This includes the term PS - otherwise known as horsepower. In your research for a new car leasing contract, you might have become accustomed to seeing the term frequently. But what exactly does PS mean?
Well, there are plenty of ways the industry explains vehicle performance, and PS is just one of many. If you're finding PS and other horsepower terms confusing, we've taken a deep dive into this in our blog below. Read on to find out the definition of PS, how it is measured, and what amount of PS you need in your next vehicle.
So...what is PS?
PS stands for pferdestärke and is the German translation of 'horse strength', but is specifically used to refer to the horsepower of a vehicle.
As a European unit of measurement, you've likely come across the term in your research for a car lease offer in the UK. Whilst it means the same as horsepower, the two are still different units of measurement.
What is horsepower?
Horsepower is a power unit measurement that conveys how fast force is produced by a vehicle's engine. This helps to determine the power of a motor's output, fuel efficiency, and the vehicle's overall performance.
The term was first conceived in 18th-century Scotland by inventor James Watt.
How to calculate PS/horsepower in cars
To calculate the horsepower of a car, the torque of a car (which we'll touch on in a few paragraphs) first needs to be established, as well as the RPM (revolutions per minute; a measurement of how fast the engine is spinning) of a car - which is typically found on the dashboard.
Once this information is retrieved, use the following formula:
Horsepower = Torque x RPM / 5,252. To convert horsepower into PS, multiply the power value by 1.014.
But horsepower/PS isn't the only way to establish car performance. Torque also plays a big part.
What is torque?
Torque is a twisting force, and determines the ability a vehicle has to do work. The more torque a car has, the bigger the amount of power the engine can produce.
In a vehicle, torque refers to the rotational force created by an engine to turn the wheels; moving the car down the road.
How to calculate torque in a car
Torque is typically measured in pound-feet (lb-ft) or newton meters (Nm). The formula used to calculate torque in a car is as follows:
Torque (T) = Horsepower (HP) × 5252 / RPM
What other car power unit measurements (powertrain) are there?
There are three other car power unit measurements you might come across when conducting research for your new car. These are:
-
Brake horsepower (bhp): Brake horsepower refers to the literal usable power produced by an engine. To measure bhp, a device called a dynamometer is attached to the car to simulate real-world conditions.
-
Kilowatt (kW): kW measures the rate a vehicle's engine turns energy from fossil fuels into movement. The higher a car produces kW, the faster it can accelerate.
-
Cheavuax-vapeur (CV): CV is the French equivalent of PS.
What is the difference between PS and HS?
The difference between HP and PS is that PS is the metric equivalent. PS also takes into account the power loss due to friction in a variety of mechanical elements of a vehicle’s engine, including the gearbox, and water pump.
What is the difference between BHP and PS?
PS/horsepower measures the power generated by the engine. Meanwhile, brake horsepower measures how much of the power produced by the engine is sent to the wheels which makes the car accelerate.
How do you convert power unit measurements?
With so many unit measurements used to evaluate the power of a vehicle, it's helpful to know how to convert them. For example, to convert:
PS to bhp
Multiply the power value in PS by 0.98632. 1 PS = 0.986 BHP.
PS to kW
Multiply the power value in PS by 0.73549875. 1 kW = 1.341 PS, and 1 PS = 0.7355 kW.
PS in cars: FAQs
What impacts bhp, PS, and kW in cars?
If you’re leasing a car for the first time, you might be wondering what impacts a vehicle’s bhp, PS, and KW. Well, the answer is several factors, including:
-
The size of the engine: If a car has a bigger engine, it has a better chance of being able to push more amount of fuel and air through - so more power is produced.
-
Any modifications: For example, more cylinders in a car will mean more power is produced by the engine.
-
Additional turbochargers and superchargers: This can increase the amount of horsepower an engine produces.
Is a higher kW car better?
It depends on your viewpoint. Generally, the higher the kW of a vehicle, the more powerful the engine is, as well as faster acceleration and higher speed. However, this also implies higher fuel consumption and increased emissions.
What is the difference between PS and kW in car power?
PS or Pferdestarke is a German metric unit of power, and kW is another unit of power normally allocated to an electric vehicle's performance. 1kW is equal to 1.356 PS. For example, a 200PS petrol car could have a badge with 147kW, alternatively, a 200kW Electric car could have a badge with 271PS.
What is a powertrain?
You can no longer take it for granted that the modern car will have a petrol or a diesel engine; it’s more likely to have a mixture of combustion engines and electric motors. This is referred to as the powertrain; in other words, the system that generates power in a car and moves it forward.
The powertrain is a convenient name because it includes all the components that power the vehicle, such as the combustion engine, the electric motor, and the drivetrain (gearbox).
How much PS is enough for a car?
Most people who drive mostly in cities would find 60-100ps more than enough PS in a car such as an Audi A1. For town and generally more vigorous driving, the ideal would be 150PS in a car. Overall, an increase in PS generally increases performance, but it also negates its economy and emissions.
What is the difference between kWh and kW
kWh is the measure of energy i.e. the battery capacity is 70 kWh. Whereas, kW is the measurement of power, the engine or powertrain.
Contact First Vehicle Leasing today to learn more about our affordable, high-quality lease cars...
There are many factors to consider when leasing a car to ensure you get an affordable contract with a high-quality vehicle. But, it can be hard to find time to do this research in your everyday life. That's why so many people turn to the experts at First Vehicle Leasing.
When you work with us, our team - which has a collective 200 years of experience - will find out what your specific needs are and find the perfect lease offer to match. Whether you've just passed your driving test or are an experienced driver who is familiar with leasing contracts - we're here to help find the right vehicle for your lifestyle.
Contact us today to discover more about our 5-star rated Trustpilot services, and the wide range of lease offers and vehicles we have available.
