One also needs to keep in mind when comparing horsepower ratings that those old 50's V8 muscle cars were hauling a lot more weight. It is hard to compare apples to apples when a 55 C300 had a 2 speed PowerFlight and the new Honda Mini-Van has a 4 or 5 speed automatic with a 3500 stall torque converter, super low first gear, and computer controlled fuel injection and ignition. The both vehicles are rated at peak HP, but the power band with 1999 computer technology is more efficient at all RPMs.
I had my 56 D500 PowerFlight at the drag strip once and was in a class against a 90 IROC Z28. He got to the finish line a second quicker with his 4 speed automatic, but I had 10 MPH more. Another 1/4 mile and I would have blown past him.
I'll challenge any mini van from 60 to 100 any day!
Dave Homstad
56 Dodge D500
-----Original Message-----
From: brians [SMTP:brians@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Thursday, August 12, 1999 8:15 PM
To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [FWDLK] Horsepower Valuation..Motor Trend
My 57 Dodge D500s were rated at 43.5 taxable hp back in
'57!!!
Hoover wrote:
>
> First anyone notice the new Motor Trend...great 50th
> anniversary issue? Being a 60 Dodge lover the Red
> Phoenix on the cover is amazing.
> My question is regarding estimate of horsepower.In an article
> they compare a new 99 Honda Mini Van to some legendary old
> V-8 muscle including the 55/300 and 58/Vette in which the
> 0-60 times are matched by the mini-van (all in the 9/10 second
> range). The article obviously praises todays 6 cylinder efficiency
> but goes on to talk about historical overinflated horsepower estimates.
> The premise was unrestricted ,without air cleaner belts etc, as the
> old formula and today is more conservative..effective horsepower
> as mounted in car.So to anyone who might know what is the effective
> equivalent between yesterday and today in percentage terms.If it is
> a range what would it be? Or if you prefer take a shot at the 383
> in my Polara factory rated in 1960 at 325hp...what would it be by
> todays standards???
> Bob Howard
> 60 Polara Wagon
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