Automotive Unit Converter

The Conversions That Trip People Up

HP vs PS vs kW

European spec sheets quote PS (metric horsepower) which is ~1.4% smaller than the US/UK HP - a "510 PS" M5 is 503 HP. Both convert cleanly through kilowatts: 1 kW = 1.341 HP = 1.360 PS.

Nm vs lb-ft

European torque figures in Nm look dramatically bigger than lb-ft (650 Nm = 479 lb-ft). Multiply Nm by 0.7376 for lb-ft.

bar vs PSI

1 bar ≈ 14.5 PSI. European boost gauges read bar (1.5 bar ≈ 21.8 PSI); tire pressures convert the same way (2.5 bar ≈ 36 PSI).

Temperature Has an Offset

Unlike everything else here, °C ↔ °F isn't a simple multiplier: °F = °C × 1.8 + 32. Useful references: 100°C / 212°F (coolant boiling unpressurized), ~120°C / 250°F (oil temp where you should short-shift).