How do you figure out the horsepower for you car? I am in a 07 Charger SE 3.5Land was curious about the horsepower. Is there a set standard based on what engine is in each Charger (or whatever you're driving).

 

Horse power, and torque figures, are set by the manufacturer. The methods and ways of calculating those figures can vary, but there is a set, "standard" way of determining those figures and that is regulated by the SAE. If a manufacturer advertises, or states in a brochure, that such and such a car produces 300 SAE HP, then you can be relatively sure that the engine that was used to arrive at that figure actually produced that figure. BUT, always remember, these figures are determined at the crank, i.e., the rear of the engine before the transmission. The amount of HP that is available AT THE REAR WHEELS will be substantially less. That figure can only be attained by putting the car on a "dyno" and testing that particular car. However, different dyno machines will most likely render different readings. So, if you want to know how much horse power your car actually is getting to the ground, the only way is to take it to a dyno and pay to have it run through the test.

The 3.5 V-6 you have in your caris "rated" at 250 hp. That is SAE hp, coming from the factory. Hope this helps. Others with more knowledge about these things may chime in here and give them their explanations, etc.

dave

 

Dave's on the money again... The important thing to remember is those published numbers are HP @ the crank.

The Stock R/T is rated at, what -345 HP. On an average people have seen around 290 HP on a dyno.