I was referring to the potential chemical energy of the engine, or work of the engine. You can also think of potential energy in terms of chemical potential energy released in combustion of fuel with air.

The potential energy you are referring to has to do with a mass in a gravity field.

 

Weight to HP or weight to 1/4 time is a 'dummy' comparison, meaning its an estimate that has been proven in some cases to be true, does an actual mathematical theory exist to prove these claims ...????

Determining how "fast" your car is is based on acceleration. The actual power of your engine is not changed nor altered significantly depending on the mass (we are neglecting any loading or traction characteristics). Because your power plant is the same, the largest factor to increase the accel/deccel is your mass.

So of course a reduced mass would allow for a few tenths of a second off the clock, but the comparison of HP seems strange....

In addition weight reduction can also help to increase top speed and fuel efficiency.

 

Good points.

Just to let you know. I raced a Cobra from 40-120MPH who claimed to have "450HP". I pulled away from him both times. I don't know how much the Cobra weighs, but I have an MR-9 (about 3200lb) My car is 324whp/313wtq. I am guessing weight had alot to do with the fact that I was able to pull away so easy.

I heard from an article once also that if a man shaved his mustache off it would save him 5$ in gas per year.

 

as stated you don't gain HP. you will gain a better HP/wight ratio. typical is 100lbs reduction = .10 of a second off. so if you knock off all of the 220lbs you will gain .220 of a second in your 1/4 mile times.