Horsepower (unit of measurement)

Horsepower is a unit of measurement that quantifies the power an engine produces, indicating how quickly it can do work. Originally developed in the 18th century to compare engines with draft horses, one horsepower equals the ability to lift 550 pounds by one foot in one second or about 745 watts. In practical terms, higher horsepower means a vehicle or machine can perform tasks faster or handle heavier loads. It's a useful way to gauge engine strength, affecting performance, speed, and towing capacity, but it’s just one factor in overall machine efficiency.