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Re: What the @#$& is hp?

To: David Rupert <75701.242@CompuServe.COM>, Triumph Newsletter <triumphs@autox.team.net>
Subject: Re: What the @#$& is hp?
From: lupienj@wal.hp.com (John Lupien)
Date: Fri, 4 Oct 96 12:00:27 EDT
> Since we are discussing strange measurement systems, I have one that has 
>bugged
> me for years.  I recently saw it crop up again in my latest issue of Classic &
> Sportcar, with regard to the early Triumph Glorias and the Southern Cross.  
>What
> the heck is hp?  One of the cars in the article was described as, "A 10.5 hp
> model featuring a 48 bhp engine", or something to that effect.  I'm assuming
> that it is NOT some arcane method of measuring horsepower.  My first wild 
>guess
> is that it has something to do with weight.  Could someone from across the 
>pond
> educate a confused American?

Not from "over there", but I've had this explained to me before.
The 10.5hp rating is a "tax rating", which is based on a formula
that includes bore, stroke, and a rather antique notion of specific
power. It has nothing to do with actual horsepower.


-- 
---
John R. Lupien
lupienj@wal.hp.com


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