Horsepower is how the power produced by an engine is measured. In Britain, it’s traditionally been expressed as brake horsepower (BHP), but this is increasingly being replaced by the metric version, known as PS.

Horsepower is how the power produced by an engine is measured.

Horsepower

A 4x4 car is one that is fitted with four-wheel drive, which means that the power created by the engine is sent to all four wheels. This means that if one or more wheels is stuck or can’t get any grip on the road, the other wheels are still driving the car forward. 

Some cars have permanent four-wheel drive, so all the wheels are always powered directly by the engine. Other cars have part-time four-wheel drive, so the car mostly uses just two wheels (usually the front wheels), which uses less fuel, but when needed, sends power to all four wheels.

A 4x4 car is one that is fitted with four-wheel drive, which means that the power created by the engine is sent to all four wheels.

Four Wheel Drive

A limited slip differential (LSD) is a device on a car that limits the amount that a wheel spins, for example, when a car loses grip on the road. In this situation, the LSD redistributes the engine power to other wheels that have more grip, either through a mechanical system, an electronic system, or a combination of both.

LSDs tend to be found on sports cars and SUVs.

A limited slip differential (LSD) is a device on a car that limits the amount that a wheel spins, for example, when a car loses grip on the road.

Limited Slip Differential

Handling describes the way a car reacts on the road to what a driver does, using the steering wheel and pedals. So, for example, a car that handles well will feel more stable on the road when cornering, speeding up or braking. Go steady though.

Handling describes the way a car reacts on the road to what a driver does, using the steering wheel and pedals.

Handling

Brake horsepower (BHP) is a measurement of how much power a car engine produces. It’s a term that tends to be used in Britain, while other parts of the world use metric horsepower known as PS. They’re almost the same, but not quite (1BHP is the equivalent of 0.9863PS), so it can sometimes make the figures used by car manufacturers confusing.

Brake horsepower (BHP) is a measurement of how much power a car engine produces.

Brake Horsepower

PS (short for Pferdestärke - Horse Strength in German) is how the power produced by an engine is measured and is defined as metric horsepower. 1PS equates to 0.98BHP.

PS (short for Pferdestärke - Horse Strength in German) is how the power produced by an engine is measured and is defined as metric horsepower. 

Pferdestärke  (horsepower)

Ride quality refers to a how comfortable a car is to travel in. The main factor that determines ride quality is the set-up of the suspension system, which is a compromise between handling and ride quality. A set-up that offers a softer, more forgiving ride quality means the car’s handling is less sharp. Conversely, a car set up to handle more sportily requires a firmer ride quality.

Ride quality refers to a how comfortable a car is to travel in.

Ride

SUV stands for sport utility vehicle, a type of car that was originally a rugged machine, fitted with four-wheel drive and built for use off-road.  However, a growing trend for this type of vehicle – which is often thought to be safer, as the passenger compartment sits higher off the ground, giving the driver a better view of the road – means that SUVs are now available in a variety of sizes. And, as many of them are not required to go off-road, they tend not to be fitted with four-wheel drive.

Sport utility vehicle - or SUV - a type of car fitted with four-wheel drive, which was built for use off-road.

Sports Utility Vehicle

Oversteer is when a car's rear wheels lose traction during a turn, causing the rear to slide out. 

If not corrected, this can lead to a loss of control, typically requiring counter-steering to help stabilise the vehicle. 

This is most easily done when applying too much throttle around a corner or on slippery road conditions.       

Oversteer

What is oversteer?

Related Jargon