CAR POWER GUIDE
What’s the difference between BHP, PS and kW?
They’re three ways to express power. Here’s how to compare them when looking at car specs.
Updated 22 October 2026
Quick comparison
100 kW ≈ 134 BHP ≈ 136 PS
| Unit | What it means | Often seen in |
|---|---|---|
| BHP | Brake horsepower | UK car listings |
| PS | Metric horsepower | European specifications |
| kW | Kilowatt | Vehicle documents and electric-car specifications |
Which figure should I use?
All three units describe power, so you can convert a figure to compare specifications. In the UK, BHP is common in car listings; PS is often used in European specifications, while kW is the standard metric unit.
One mechanical horsepower is approximately 0.7457 kW. One metric horsepower (PS) is approximately 0.7355 kW, making PS slightly smaller than BHP. For example, 100 kW is about 134.1 BHP or 136.0 PS. [UK horsepower conversion factor; NIST horsepower reference]
These are unit conversions, not a measurement of a particular car. Manufacturer figures may be rounded and can vary by model year, trim and market. Check that you’re comparing the same version of each vehicle.
Want to convert a figure? Use the BHP, PS and kW calculator, or check a car by UK registration.