What does a dynamometer mean?

[VanEleanor]

A dynamometer is a machine primarily used to test the horsepower of a car, commonly found in automotive modification shops to measure the increase in horsepower of a modified car engine. The function of a dynamometer is to measure horsepower, which involves determining the output torque of the drive wheels and calculating the horsepower value. It then generates two curves: the torque output curve and the horsepower output curve. Horsepower is an older unit of measurement, while the international unit kilowatt is now more commonly used. Regarding whether higher power is always better, it is generally believed that under the same displacement, higher power is preferable. Some car manufacturers employ advanced technologies such as intake valve stroke control, EGR, and five-valve configurations, which inevitably lead to increased power but also imply higher engine costs.