What the figures mean
BHP (brake horsepower) is the engine's maximum power. More power usually means quicker acceleration and a higher top speed. Torque is the engine's pulling force, the shove you feel when you press the accelerator at low revs. Diesels and electric cars tend to have a lot of torque for their power, which makes them feel strong around town.
0-62 mph is the time it takes to reach 62 mph (100 km/h) from a standstill. Top speed is mostly academic on UK roads, but it is a useful way to tell versions of the same model apart.
Weight matters as much as power. A light car with modest power can feel quicker than a heavy one with more, which is why the 0-62 mph time is often the most useful single figure.
Why check the power
Many models come in several versions that look almost identical. A car advertised as the more powerful version should cost more, so make sure that is what you are buying. The performance figures in the report show what the car left the factory with, where available. If the advert claims more, ask why.
One reason is a remap, where the engine software has been changed to make more power. A remap must be declared to your insurer, can affect reliability and may void a warranty. Ask for paperwork from whoever did the work.
The figures also help you spot a lower-powered version wearing the badges of a faster one. Check the badge, the advert and the report all agree.
Power and insurance
More power usually means a higher insurance group and higher premiums. Check the insurance group before you fall for a quick car, especially if you are a younger driver. The running costs check helps with fuel and tax.
If you are a new driver, start with the lower-powered versions of a model, which are usually cheaper to insure and to run. The report also shows the gearbox type and number of gears, so you can check an automatic really is an automatic. See the car specification check for the rest of what is included.
Part of the full history check
Performance figures are part of every full history check: £4.49 for one, or £3.00 a check in a pack of 10. You also get finance, write-off, stolen, keeper and plate checks, plus a valuation. The free check covers MOT, tax and mileage.
Use the figures at the viewing: check the badges and the engine against the report, and ask about any difference before you talk about price. Run the check before you make an offer.