There's no difference in measurement. That's like me saying two feet measured one way is longer than two feet measured another way. Horsepower is horsepower.Pred8tor said:Yes, that's true. Not so much unrealistic, but just measured differently. In the early '70s the 302 dropped from 210hp to 140hp... with no engine changes. Since the 302 only had a 10hp difference, that puts the 289 around 130hp - 135hp... compared to 202hp for a modern V6 - not bad for the V6! Things have vastly improved, if you ask me!
The reason for the drop in power in the early 70s had nothing to do with changing the measurement system. The engines actually DID change and power output actually DID decrease significantly. Emissions are the culprit here. Ford HAD to 'detune' the 302 down to 140hp, because it wouldn't pass the government's emissions laws in the form in which it made 200hp.
If anything, horsepower ratings are MORE significant now than in the past. A 200hp modern car will almost certainly be faster than a 200hp car from 1965. Not because 200hp was different in 1965 than it is now (200hp at the flywheel is 200hp at the flywheel, regarless), but because the modern car would certainly have a better driveline, transmission, be lighter, etc.
200hp is virtually nothing if it's driving a 4000lb car through a 3-speed auto transmission. 200hp is much more effective at driving a 3000lb Mustang with a nice 6-speed manual.