What is the difference between BHP and PS?

BHP (brake horsepower) is the traditional British and American power measurement. PS (Pferdstarke) is the metric equivalent used by European and Japanese manufacturers. 1 BHP equals 1.01387 PS, so PS figures are always slightly higher than BHP for the same engine.

Why do some manufacturers quote kW?

Kilowatts (kW) is the official SI unit of power and is required by EU regulations. It is also the standard for electric vehicles. Many European manufacturers now quote kW alongside PS. 1 kW equals approximately 1.34 BHP.

Which unit should I use when comparing cars?

Use whichever unit both cars are quoted in. UK car magazines typically convert everything to BHP. European sources use PS. The difference between BHP and PS is only about 1.4%, so for rough comparisons it barely matters, but for exact specifications always use the same unit.

What about HP versus BHP?

In automotive contexts, HP (horsepower) and BHP (brake horsepower) are often used interchangeably. Strictly, BHP specifies that the measurement is taken at the crankshaft (brake dynamometer). Some quote WHP (wheel horsepower) which is lower due to drivetrain losses.

Is PS the same as HP?

PS (Pferdstarke) is metric horsepower and is very close to BHP (brake horsepower). 1 PS = 0.9863 BHP, so the numbers are nearly identical. A car quoted at 200 PS is about 197 BHP. The difference is small enough that they are often used interchangeably in casual conversation.

CarCalcs

BHP to PS Converter

Convert between brake horsepower, PS (metric horsepower), and kilowatts.

Convert From

Power (BHP)

How We Calculate This

This converter handles the three power units you will encounter in car specifications.

The Formulas

BHP to PS: PS = BHP x 1.01387
PS to BHP: BHP = PS / 1.01387
BHP to kW: kW = BHP x 0.7457
kW to BHP: BHP = kW / 0.7457

Examples

100 BHP = 101.4 PS = 74.6 kW
200 BHP = 202.8 PS = 149.1 kW
300 BHP = 304.2 PS = 223.7 kW

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Actual figures may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle specifications, and other factors.