In simple terms, why are engines with higher compression pistons able to make higher horsepower?

January 1, 1997 | By Richard Prince

Question:


Can you explain, in the simplest terms possible, why engines with higher compression pistons are able to make more horsepower?

Answer:

The compression ratio of an engine’s pistons is one variable that affects compression pressure. As gasoline burns, its combustion pressure is about four times its compression pressure. Higher compression pistons produce higher compression pressures, which result in higher combustion pressures. This, in turn, produces more horsepower.