What is PS?

Engine power- what is PS

• In terms of measuring (engine) power, what is a PS? I know what BHP, HP, and kW is, but not PS. Here's an example of power being measured in PS: http://www.dieselmotorcycles.com/models.htm I'm wondering what it is, and a conversion to horsepower.

• Answer:

  Hello tedder-ga Thank-you for your question. I have researched this question for you and found the solution. PS stands for "pferdestärke" which is german for "horse power". "One measure to be aware of though is the "continental horsepower" or PS. This stands for "PferdeStarke" - the German translation of "horse power". In France you sometimes see the same measure being called a "CV" for Cheval Vapeur. This measure was chosen in Europe as being the closest thing to a horsepower that could be expressed in nice round metric units - 75 kilogramme metres per second to be exact. It is commonly used by car manufacturers nowadays and tends to get used synonymously with bhp although it is actually a slightly smaller unit of power. One PS is about 98.6% of one bhp. The conversion table below covers the units most commonly used to express power and torque." http://www.pumaracing.co.uk/power1.htm The above page also provides a conversion table to enable you to convert from one measure of power to another. The final link below contains an online calculator/convertor. If you require any further information on this subject please ask for clarification and I will do my best to respond swiftly. Further information: http://www.onlineconversion.com/forum/forum_1063529276.htm http://www.magtrol.com/support/power_calc.htm