Conversion factors
1 bhp = 0.7457 kW · 1 kW = 1.341 bhp
1 PS = 0.7355 kW = 0.9863 bhp
1 Nm = 0.7376 lb ft · 1 lb ft = 1.3558 Nm
bhp, kW and PS table
| bhp | kW | PS |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | 44.7 | 60.8 |
| 75 | 55.9 | 76.0 |
| 90 | 67.1 | 91.2 |
| 100 | 74.6 | 101.4 |
| 110 | 82.0 | 111.5 |
| 120 | 89.5 | 121.7 |
| 130 | 96.9 | 131.8 |
| 150 | 111.9 | 152.1 |
| 170 | 126.8 | 172.4 |
| 190 | 141.7 | 192.6 |
| 200 | 149.1 | 202.8 |
| 250 | 186.4 | 253.5 |
| 300 | 223.7 | 304.2 |
| 400 | 298.3 | 405.5 |
| 500 | 372.9 | 506.9 |
What is the difference between bhp, hp and PS?
bhp (brake horsepower) is the traditional British measure, taken at the engine's crankshaft. In everyday use it is the same as mechanical hp. PS (Pferdestärke) is metric horsepower, slightly smaller: 100PS is 98.6bhp. Many European brands quote PS, so the same engine can sound more powerful in a brochure than in a British review.
kW is the official SI unit and the one DVLA records. You will find it in section P.2 of the V5C. Electric car power is almost always given in kW.
Power and torque
Torque is the twisting force an engine produces and it decides how strongly a car pulls from low speeds. Power is torque multiplied by engine speed, and it decides top speed and acceleration at higher revs. Diesel and electric cars tend to have high torque for their power, which is why they feel strong when pulling away.
Power and insurance
Power is one of the main factors in a car's insurance group. Modifications that increase power, such as a remap, must be declared to your insurer, or a claim could be refused.
Sources
- NIST: Guide for the use of SI units, appendix B (conversion factors)
- GOV.UK: Vehicle registration certificate V5C
Rates and rules last checked 15 October 2026. These figures are a guide. For a decision that matters, confirm with the official source.