The important issue to understand is that "power" is energy per unit time. Mechanical energy at the crankshaft is converted into vehicle kinetic energy via drive thrust at the wheels, so the more energy you apply per unit of time (which is power) the faster the car will gain kinetic energy(which means greater acceleration), and 150 HP is the same whether it is from a gasoline engine that makes 150 lb-ft torque at 5252 RPM or a turbo diesel that makes 300 lb-ft torque at 2626 RPM.

Duke