The right balance of power for your vehicle's intended purpose

IN EVERYDAY LIFE, power has become so ingrained in society that it has become a necessity and a public utility, making machines work and life a little easier.

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However, in vehicles, the term is still somewhat looked at as a luxury, with potential consumers leaning towards purchasing the more expensive, more "powerful" models as symbols of status and performance.

For car enthusiasts, "power" is often referred to using its unit names: horsepower (hp) for gas vehicles and kilowatts (kW) for electric cars. These units measure the rate at which the engine or motor can perform work — in other words, how quickly it can generate force to move the vehicle. The higher the number, the more capable the vehicle is of accelerating quickly, climbing steep roads, or carrying heavy loads.

But while enthusiasts and manufacturers usually highlight these figures to signal performance or prestige, it's important to understand that power does not automatically equate to a better driving experience for everyone. Generally, too much power also translates to more fuel burned. With gas prices in today's economy, it may be too costly to purchase a vehicle just because of its power.

What truly matters is how that power is delivered and matched to your lifestyle. Looking at Metro Manila's traffic situation, every vehicle should serve a purpose that matches its power, whether that's for daily city commutes, weekend getaways, or heavy-duty work. Instead of getting caught up in numbers and buying vehicles with the most horsepower, it's more practical to evaluate how a car may perform in real-world situations.

BASIC FOR TRAFFIC

Even with a car, navigating the streets of Manila can be tedious and time-consuming, especially during rush hour when traffic becomes even more congested. During these bumper-to-bumper moments, it is better to opt for a smaller, more fuel-efficient car than a vehicle that can't fully utilize its power.