What does PS stand for?

[Gevs1966]

When talking about cars and engines power etc, what does PS stand for?

[supermonkey]

Never seen that. With tires psi stands for pounds per square inch. What number is next to it, it might give you a clue (i,e is it 10 or 10,000)

[Gevs1966]

Its nothing to do with psi. it's when talking about horsepower and torque etc there are two options on the car I'm looking at, one says 163 PS and the other 184PS

[naz_nomad]

what model car?

[Gevs1966]

It was a Volvo

It is a measurement of Brake Horsepower apparently.

[ianess]

Click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horsepower for a definitive answer.
Seems to be a way of measuring power transmitted to the road wheels as opposed to power actually produced at the engine.

[oldhamfan]

German: Pferdest�rke = horse strength

1PS I assume is ever so slightly more than 1BHP;

Hence Vauxhall Astra VXR I believe to be 237BHP but is listed as 240PS.

[oldhamfan]

Happened to be glancing at the Golf R32 on the Volkswagen website and I quote:

"The maximum power output figures are quoted in PS (or Pferdest�rken), which is the metric equivalent of horsepower. To convert from metric to imperial horsepower, divide the PS figure by 1.0139."