Horsepower originated from James Watt and is defined as work done over time. Watt is famous for his work to improve the performance of steam engines. He lived from 1736 to 1819. Horsepower resulted from Watt determination to measure up the power of the engines to Impress his customers and sell more of his engines from watching ponies in a coal mine.
Car engines are measures of horsepower because engines were invented, among other reasons to replace the horse’s work. Because it is a consistent unit of measure, it becomes significant. Although the horsepower does not give out all the information regarding the engine and its performance, at least it gives the idea of how one car engine performs against the other car. Generally, the higher the horsepower, a vehicle produces results in better acceleration.