Quick question on F1 cars

3.0L V10's 900BHP - I imagine 2.4V8's about 720BHP so approx 300BHP per litre.

 

on import drag racing cars, racers make 1100 hp out of a 2 liter 4 cylinder honda engine

 

In the height of the turbo era, rumors say that the strongest 1.5 liters were producing way over 1200 hp (in qualifying trim).

 

Yup the F1 1.5L turbo's produced 800BHP+ per litre in qualifying, for race probably more like 650BHP per litre. They used VERY exotic fuels, water injection and STRONG engines...not to mention RF traction control too (right foot ).

Although, strictly speaking, as they used forced induction the effective volume of the engine was more like 6 litres (4 bar boost was about max I think) which = 200BHP per litre. The later turbo's however were restricted to 2.5 bar and yet still delivered 1000BHP I believe which = 266BHP per litre 1000/(1.5 * 2.5)=266.

1970's flat 12 gave about 180BHP/L
1980's 1.5L turbo's 200-266BHP/L (presuming equivalent formula)
1990's V10's 260-280BHP/L
2000's 300BHP/L

Which kinda makes sense...

 

typing whilst you posted.