BHP vs. PS — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 21, 2024
BHP (Brake Horsepower) measures engine power output before drivetrain losses, while PS (Pferdestärke) is a metric horsepower unit, slightly less than BHP.
Difference Between BHP and PS
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
BHP, or Brake Horsepower, refers to the power an engine produces before any losses due to the vehicle's gearbox, generator, differential, water pump, and other auxiliary components. It's a direct measurement of an engine's power capacity. On the other hand, PS, short for Pferdestärke (German for "horse strength"), is a metric measurement of horsepower, equivalent to 735.5 watts, and is commonly used in Europe. Although both measure engine power, 1 PS is slightly less than 1 BHP, specifically 0.98632 BHP.
When manufacturers state the power of an engine in BHP, they're referring to the engine's raw power output, which can give a sense of the engine's efficiency and capability. Whereas, when power is measured in PS, it is slightly less due to the conversion from the metric system, highlighting a small difference in the quantification of engine power.
The automotive industry in the UK and the USA tends to use BHP as a standard measurement, making it more familiar to consumers in these countries. In contrast, PS is widely used in Europe and some Asian countries, reflecting differences in regional preferences and measurement systems.
To convert BHP to PS, one would multiply the BHP value by 1.01387. Conversely, to convert PS to BHP, you multiply the PS value by 0.98632. This conversion is essential for international car buyers and automotive professionals who work with varied measurement systems.
Despite these differences, both BHP and PS are crucial in understanding an engine's performance. Car enthusiasts and potential buyers often look at these figures to gauge a vehicle's power and acceleration capabilities, making it important to understand both terms and how they relate to each other.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Power output of an engine before drivetrain losses.
Metric unit of power, equivalent to 735.5 watts.
Measurement System
Primarily used in the UK and USA.
Widely used in Europe and some Asian countries.
Conversion Factor
1 BHP = 0.98632 PS
1 PS = 1.01387 BHP
Context of Use
Used to express the engine's raw power output.
Used to measure engine power in metric terms.
Regional Preference
Preferred in countries using imperial measurement system.
Preferred in countries using the metric system.
Compare with Definitions
Bhp
Primarily used in the UK and USA.
American muscle cars are advertised with their BHP figures.
Ps
Slightly less than BHP due to the conversion rate.
A 100 PS engine is equivalent to about 98.6 BHP.
Bhp
Indicates the engine's efficiency and capability.
A high BHP rating suggests a powerful engine.
Ps
Integral in the automotive industry for consistency.
PS provides a standardized power measurement across countries.
Bhp
Reflects the power available at the engine crankshaft.
BHP measures how much power is generated before any is lost.
Ps
Commonly used in Europe and parts of Asia.
European sports cars often list their power output in PS.
Bhp
Measurement of engine power without drivetrain losses.
The sports car has a 300 BHP engine.
Ps
A metric unit for measuring engine power.
The hatchback features an engine with 85 PS.
Bhp
Used to compare raw engine performance.
Vehicles are often compared based on their BHP ratings.
Ps
Useful for understanding vehicle performance.
The PS rating gives a good indication of a car's acceleration.
Bhp
(automotive) brake horsepower
Ps
Plural of p
Ps
Alternative form of PS.
Ps
A note appended to a letter after the signature
Common Curiosities
How do you convert BHP to PS?
To convert BHP to PS, multiply the BHP value by 1.01387.
What is PS in engine power?
PS stands for Pferdestärke, a metric horsepower unit commonly used in Europe to measure engine power.
Is PS the same as HP?
PS is similar to HP (Horsepower), but they are not exactly the same due to slight differences in their conversion rates.
Which is higher, BHP or PS?
BHP figures are slightly higher than PS for the same engine due to the conversion factor between the two measurements.
Do electric vehicles have BHP ratings?
Yes, electric vehicles also have BHP ratings, indicating their motor's power output before any losses.
Why is BHP important in cars?
BHP is important as it gives a direct indication of an engine's raw power output, influencing performance and efficiency.
What is more commonly used in the automotive industry, BHP or PS?
The use of BHP or PS depends on the region; BHP is common in the UK and USA, while PS is prevalent in Europe and parts of Asia.
What does BHP stand for?
BHP stands for Brake Horsepower, measuring engine power before losses due to the drivetrain and other components.
Can I compare car engines using PS?
Yes, PS can be used to compare car engines, especially in regions where it is the standard measurement.
Are BHP and wheel horsepower (WHP) the same?
No, BHP measures engine power before losses, while WHP refers to the power available at the wheels after losses.
Can BHP and PS be used interchangeably?
While they can be roughly compared, BHP and PS should not be used interchangeably without conversion due to slight differences.
How does drivetrain loss affect BHP?
Drivetrain loss reduces the actual power transmitted to the wheels from the engine's original BHP rating.
What role does PS play in vehicle sales in Europe?
In Europe, PS is a key figure in vehicle specifications, influencing buyer perceptions of car performance.
Why do some countries use PS instead of BHP?
Some countries prefer PS due to their use of the metric system and historical measurement preferences.
How does the automotive industry benefit from using both BHP and PS?
Using both BHP and PS allows for a more versatile understanding of engine power across different regions and measurement systems.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
