Originally posted by DemonSVT:
Originally posted by Auto-X Fil:
It's pretty minimal. Maybe a couple hp. You'll get just as good mileage with the AC on vs. windows down (better at higher speeds), so that says it's not huge.


Actually the A/C unit on our car SUCKS ASS. When running it robs about 20-30 TQ and the subsequent HP based on rpm. It's a steaming pile of inefficiency.

When it's not running is uses zero power.



20-30 tq! That's enormous! I have a big problem believing that. You're telling me with A/C on I have a Zetec. I've driven a Zetec, and the difference between A/C on and off in my car is barely noticeable. The Zetec was like a pedal-powered car. 5tq is noticeable at full-throttle, 10 tq is certainly able to be felt across the board. I can't tell when my A/C is on except at idle, before the engine cranks up to counteract it. So I was guessing less than 10 tq/hp. Sory Demon, but until I see numbers, I can't believe that. Maybe someone could put a torque wrench on the compressor and see how much resistance it has?

-Philip Maynard '95 Contour [71 STS | Track Whore] '97 Miata [71 ES | Boulevard Pimp] 2006 autocross results