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Power-to-weight ratio (or specific power or power-to-mass ratio) is a calculation commonly applied to engines and mobile power sources to enable the comparison of one unit or design to another. Power-to-weight ratio is a measurement of actual performance of any engine or power sources. It is also used as a measurement of performance of a vehicle as a whole, with the engine's power output being divided by the weight (or mass) of the vehicle, to give a metric that is independent of the vehicle's size
A typical turbocharged V-8 diesel engine might have an engine power of 330 horsepower (250 kW) and a weight of 835 pounds (379 kg)[SUP][1][/SUP], giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 0.65 kW/kg (0.40 hp/lb).