[blykins]

I guess I didn't explain it that well.

My point was that you build an engine to run at a desired rpm range. A street driven Cobra doesn't run constantly at 6500-7000 rpm....you're usually between 2000-5500 or 2000-6000 and you normally cruise at around 2000-2500.

So if you build a higher horsepower engine, it doesn't necessarily mean that it's going to be a barn burner because it may not be suited for a specific street driving range.

In our case above, our 347 may make 500hp, but it's going to peak at 6500, with a very narrow powerband, and probably around 425-430 lb-ft of torque. The average hp and average torque numbers will be low.

The 408 may "only" make 450hp, but it's going to peak a lot lower, have a big broad torque curve, and have a considerable more amount of torque.

With the transmission, rearend ratio, and tire sizes being the same, the 408 will "feel" like it has more power because it has more average power/torque in the range that you're driving in.

You can even apply this same scenario to two engines of the same displacement....maybe two 408's or two 347's.

So we're back to my post above...don't get hung up on horsepower numbers, because the engine with the most horsepower may not feel powerful in the range you're running in.