I understand that most of you have experienced amazing cars, Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, however, most people that I talk to always ask two questions how much horsepower and how much do you have into the car. I feel that most people do not know what some of these vehicles can do. I know that 600 na hp is very different from 600 hp in a forced induction car, but when is enough enough. I have friends with over 1000hp vehicles and they are stupid to drive on the street. This is a very loose ended question with all of the variables but what do you feel is adequate horsepower for the street?

 

It all depends on the vehicle. For me, I think 300 rwhp is more than enough for most street cars, especially if they weigh 3000 lbs or less. But hey, the more, the merrier, right?

 

Well Ian, I guess it depends on the driver... If its a tree loving hippie 50HP car would be awesome.. but I'm sure someone like John Force would like to drive 1000hp+ car... lol I think around 450-600hp is perfect for a DD.. But I think I 750 is more my style Ian

 

I love hearing about guys with the 1000hp supras and just the idea of a Veyron or CCX with that much power from the factory is incredible. I voted 450-600 range because it seems like the GT3/2 crowd and the ferrari's are definitely the most power you will ever need on the street for "spirited driving," but it seems like having a car with crazy numbers would just end up with constant loss of traction and bragging rights. I'm a huge fan of both of these things, but realistically, I can't see a need for more power.

But then again, no one really needs a sports car anyway, we just get them because we love them, so go big or go home as long as your driving skill is up to the challenge.

 

300-450 is plenty for the street I think, the only spirited driving I do on the street is through the canyons and in the twisties and you don't need a lot of horsepower there.

 

Really depends on the weight of the car and if its more of a straight line car or something that can handle the corners too.

My car is 3100ish and I will be satisfied when I do heads/cam and make 450ish. But to others thats laughable Im sure.

 

Yep. Me too.

 

I have been fortunate enough to have put in a fair amount of time behind the wheel of numerous high HP cars, including a 600hp E55 (Kleemann Stage 3+), a 580 hp C5 Z06 (Vortech SC) a 550 hp 73 Bronco (Vortech SC SBF) and a 700 hp Superformance 427 Cobra (race spec 427 side oiler) Although they make similar power on paper, each of them feels quite different in the way the power is delivered and used.

The Kleemann E55 feels just right to me It has unreal power at every RPM but is easy to drive. The Stage 3 package opens up the breathing and gives it great, smooth power delivery from low RPM's all the way to redline. With the TC on, this car turns effortless 12 flat 1/4 miles. Its almost not fair how easily this car goes fast. I'm pretty sure my grandma could do a 12 second 1/4 mile in this car.

The blown C5 Z06 builds power slowly and steadily, you really need to rev the snot out of it to make the huge power. Lots of power but not intimidating until the tach reaches 5k+ rpms

550+ hp in a 73 Bronco is too much, even with the 4 link suspension set up. It does a sub 13 1/4 mile on 33" tires. Since its a blown small block, it doesn't make huge power down low, but once the revs cross 3k, all hell breaks loose. Hang on with two hands and don't make any sudden moves with the steering wheel under full power.

700 n/a HP in a 2,500 lb car is INSANE to say the least. That motor is full race spec with the exception of compression set to handle 91 octane plus a can of octane boost in each tank. It has lightened internals so it revs quickly and easily. It will break the tires loose at will at any speed below about 80. With that being said, it has huge torque, a long throw throttle and a heavy clutch that is easy to modulate. Flooring it at any speed is an exercise in guts and skill. It demands your complete attention and focus. I absolutely love it. Driving that car never ceases to put a smile on my face. In short, it is an absolute beast.

I love HP. IMHO there is no such thing as too much of it.

 

Depends a lot more on the power to weight as apposed to the actual hp #. Okay, as I've read this has been mentioned many times before. Though after driving a 420hp M3 as a DD, its tough adapting to something with less power to weight.

 

I understand that, and many people that ask the horsepower question do not. There are so many variables in the question it is really not fair to ask. A 600hp rwd car is different that 600awd and 600hp in a 2500lb car is different than a 3500lb car, forced induction vs naturally aspirated etc etc. For me a 600hp twin turbo car is plenty but I have the occasions where the boost controller gets switched to the B setting.