Metric Horsepower to Horsepower (mech) Converter (PS to hp)

How to Convert Metric Horsepower (PS) to Mechanical Horsepower (hp)

The formula to convert Metric Horsepower (PS) to Mechanical Horsepower (hp) is:

Reverse formula — hp to PS:

Examples:

• 1 PS = 0.9863 hp
• 100 PS = 98.63 hp (small car)
• 200 PS = 197.26 hp (mid-size car)
• 510 PS = 503.02 hp (BMW M3)
• 1,000 PS = 986.32 hp (hypercar)

What is Metric Horsepower (PS)?

Metric horsepower — abbreviated as PS (from German: Pferdestärke, meaning "horse strength") — equals exactly 735.499 watts. It is the standard power unit for car engines in Germany, Europe, Japan, India, and most of Asia. European car manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, Ferrari, and Lamborghini always rate their engines in PS on official spec sheets.

What is Mechanical Horsepower (hp)?

Mechanical horsepower (hp) was defined by Scottish engineer James Watt in the 18th century as 33,000 foot-pounds of work per minute. One mechanical hp = 745.7 watts. It is the standard for engine power ratings in the United States and United Kingdom. US car brands like Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, and Jeep always quote engine power in hp.

PS vs hp — What is the Difference?

The difference is small but real — about 1.4%:

Feature	Metric HP (PS)	Mechanical HP (hp)
Equals in Watts	735.499 W	745.7 W
1 unit in other	0.98632 hp	1.01387 PS
Which is bigger?	Smaller	Bigger (+1.4%)
Origin country	Germany (metric)	UK/Scotland (imperial)
Used in	Europe, Japan, Asia	USA, UK
Car brands	BMW, VW, Toyota	Ford, GM, Dodge

Real Car Comparison — PS to hp

Car Model	European Spec (PS)	US Spec (hp)
Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI	150 PS	147.95 hp
BMW 3 Series 320i	184 PS	181.48 hp
Mercedes C-Class 200	204 PS	201.21 hp
Audi A4 2.0 TFSI	245 PS	241.65 hp
BMW M3 Competition	510 PS	503.02 hp
Porsche 911 Turbo S	650 PS	641.11 hp
Lamborghini Huracan	610 PS	601.66 hp
Bugatti Chiron	1,500 PS	1,479.48 hp

Why the Difference Matters

When comparing cars from different markets, the PS/hp difference matters:

• A BMW M3 listed as 510 PS in Germany = 503 hp in the US — same car, different number
• A Ford Mustang listed as 450 hp in the US = 456.2 PS in Europe
• For everyday comparison, most people treat 1 PS ≈ 1 hp — the 1.4% difference is negligible for non-engineering purposes
• For precise engineering calculations — designing cooling systems, fuel consumption modeling — the exact conversion matters

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert metric horsepower (PS) to mechanical horsepower (hp)?

Multiply PS by 0.98632. Formula: hp = PS × 0.98632. Example: 200 PS × 0.98632 = 197.26 hp.

Is PS the same as hp?

No. 1 PS = 735.499 W while 1 hp = 745.7 W. So 1 PS = 0.9863 hp — they differ by about 1.4%. In casual use they are treated as equal, but technically they are different units.

What is 100 PS in hp?

100 PS = 98.63 hp. Formula: 100 × 0.98632 = 98.63 hp. A 100 PS European car equals approximately 98.6 hp in US specifications.

What is 510 PS in hp?

510 PS = 503.02 hp. This is the BMW M3 Competition — its 510 PS European rating equals 503 hp in the US market specs.

Which is bigger — PS or hp?

Mechanical hp is slightly bigger. 1 hp = 1.01387 PS and 1 PS = 0.98632 hp. So a 100 hp US car has slightly more power than a 100 PS European car.

Why do European cars use PS instead of hp?

PS (Pferdestärke) is the traditional German metric unit used by European car manufacturers. BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Volkswagen, and Audi quote engine power in PS on spec sheets. US manufacturers like Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge use mechanical hp.