I tried to keep it simple but that didn't work so here is the math:
Horsepower is a measurement of Power.
Power (P) is the time rate at which work is done.
Starting with the definition of work -
Increment of Work (
dW) = Force (F) * change in distance (
dx)
If the car moves a given distance in a time t, then
dW/
dt = F *
dx /
dt
In the limit as
dt approaches 0, the time rate at which work is done is called Power.
P lim t0 =
dW/
dt
Therefore
P = F *
dx /
dt and we all know F = mass (m) * acceleration (a)
Substituting (m * a) for F we get
Power = mass * acceleration * change in distance / change in time
If we assume the mass of the car is constant and we look at either a change in distance (say a 1/4 mile) or a change in time (say how fast your car can accelerate in 10 seconds) you will see <u>that to increase acceleration you need to increase Power </u>.
Please don't forget that to get to Power from Torque you need to take into account the rpm component - thus horsepower and torque are not directly interchaneable when discussing acceleration.
Jason,
If you really are shifting to maintain the same torque before and after the shift, and if you were driving a stock '01 GTS, you would be shifting at approximately 5100 rpm from 1st to 2nd and 4850 rpm from 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 4th. Probably not the fastest way down the track.
No flames intended as I think these are great discussions, just trying to provide useful information for those who care to use it.
Please don't force me to get Treynor involved in this......