In the 1930s and 40s, some cars produced 100 hp, but that was “muscle car” stuff, and required huge V8 engines to get there.
The extra power (and speed) has needed unrecognisably better tyres, brakes, steering mechanisms, suspensions, and so on.
The basic principles of petrol and diesel engines have not changed much in the past 100 years. But how much has modern technology improved their reliability, power and fuel economy? - SKM
Short answer: Modern engines produce between 10 and 20 times more power “per litre” than they did in the days of the Model T…using almost the same fundamental process of exploding a mixture of petrol and air to push pistons up and down and turn a crankshaft.
