YACT: horsepower is a VERY important selling point

[NeoPTLD]

Many car buyers are very concerned with the horsepower rating of the car and it is one of the most critical specs for marketing. Horsepower rating is mentioned quite frequently in TV commercial for cars in a statement like "the all new 305hp 5.7 liter V8 engine".

When you crack open the manual, you likely won't find horsepower rating anywhere.

Why is that?

 

[DnetMHZ]

Because manuals tend to be rather generic across all the options for a particular model. The same car might come in a several motor / tranny combos.

 

[Sureshot324]

The manual is just supposed to tell you what you need to know to operate the car.

 

[Kishan]

Theres a section for engine specs in my manual?

 

[radioouman]

Because it is just used to sell the car. It is a marketing gimmick.
A car could have 10 lb-ft of torque, generate 250 horsepower and have a redline of 25,000 rpm and people will buy it because it says 250 horsepower.

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: DnetMHZ
Because manuals tend to be rather generic across all the options for a particular model. The same car might come in a several motor / tranny combos.

I'd say that's the reason too... my manual is for the 3.2L as well as the 2.xL ... it kept referring to either one in the manual.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Because it's an operators manual, not a specifications layout.

 

[quakefiend420]

Originally posted by: DnetMHZ
Because manuals tend to be rather generic across all the options for a particular model. The same car might come in a several motor / tranny combos.

they generally cover fluid fill locations for all the combos available...why not put a quick spec sheet in there as well?

 

[vegetation]

Unlike product sales literature, marketing wont touch a user's manual.

 

[Cristatus]

Some manuals might have it, but in kW, not in HP, if they do have it (not that I have seen it in one).

 

[geno]

I've seen HP in most auto manuals, especially ones that can come with different engines.

 

[DivideBYZero]

They do. It's in the 'specifications' section of every car manual I have ever owned.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
They do. It's in the 'specifications' section of every car manual I have ever owned.

Yeah, it's just not plastered all over every page unlike a new car brochure.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

My car has a 230HP engine. If I bought it from Nevada, it'd have a 235HP engine. Difference? California emissions. They don't list it because it often varies because of stuff like that.