Power and torque are the basic technical parameters of an internal combustion engine. Not only does the maximum speed and acceleration of the car depend on these parameters, but also fuel consumption or the ability to climb hills and the like.

Engine power can be expressed in kilowatts (kW), but the horsepower (HP or metric horsepower) is usually preferred. The unit of torque, colloquially torque, is either pound-foot (lb-ft) or Newton-metre (Nm).

Horsepower is a term frequently used in the automotive industry, and it refers to the power output of an engine. One horsepower is equivalent to the power needed to lift 550 pounds one foot in one second or 33,000 pounds one foot in one minute.

This article will examine horsepower as a unit for measuring an engine's power, its importance, calculation, and the difference between various measurements.