WHP Calculation:
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WHP (Wheel Horsepower) is the actual power delivered to the wheels of a vehicle, calculated from the engine's brake horsepower (BHP) and the drivetrain efficiency.
The calculator uses the simple equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation accounts for power loss through the drivetrain components between the engine and wheels.
Details: WHP is crucial for understanding actual vehicle performance, as it represents the power that actually reaches the road rather than just engine output.
Tips: Enter BHP in horsepower (typically from manufacturer specs or dyno test) and drivetrain efficiency as a decimal (e.g., 0.85 for 85% efficiency).
Q1: What's the difference between BHP and WHP?
A: BHP measures engine output before drivetrain losses, while WHP measures power actually delivered to the wheels.
Q2: What are typical drivetrain efficiency values?
A: Rear-wheel drive: ~85%, Front-wheel drive: ~80%, All-wheel drive: ~75%. Manual transmissions typically lose less than automatics.
Q3: Why is WHP lower than BHP?
A: Power is lost through friction in the transmission, driveshaft, differential, and other drivetrain components.
Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a good estimate, but actual dyno testing is needed for precise WHP measurement as efficiency can vary.
Q5: Does WHP change with modifications?
A: Yes, both engine modifications (affecting BHP) and drivetrain modifications (affecting efficiency) will change WHP.