How are there different power outputs from the same size engine?

What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

How are there different power outputs from the same size engine?

My final decision re the purchase of my next car is not finance related but specification related. Please can you explain how it is that the Volvo XC40 Mild Hybrid Ultra spec B3 and B4 both have the same size engine (2 litre), the same CO2 emissions and almost identical MPG consumption figures but the B3 produces 163bhp against the B4 197bhp?

Asked on 30 December 2024 by Potential Purchaser

Answered by David Ross

The reason that these two models have such similar performance figures is that they share an almost identical engine. The B4204 unit is used in many Volvo and Geely products around the world, with small variations in compression ratio and engine management software to produce varying outputs. It is far cheaper for a manufacturer to make one basic engine with small variations than create a series of different engines to provide different power outputs.

Tags: performance power outputs vehicle specification

Similar questions

What version of the Vauxhall Corsa is best for hilly roads?

We are thinking of buying a newish Vauxhall Corsa auto but it will need it to have enough power for hilly routes. Which engine/gearbox option would be best?

Power or torque

Which car is better for hilly area driving? 1) Car with high horse power 2) Car with high torque

Engine power measurement

Brake Horse Power = bhp. My Honda Civic engine shows PS and Kw. What is PS, as I do not see other manufacturers using this measurement when I want to compare specifications.

Related models