Golf Cart Horsepower Chart: HP by Brand & Model

Golf cart horsepower depends on the exact model and powertrain. Compare the maker's rating convention before comparing numbers: converting kW to HP changes the units, not a peak rating into continuous output. Horsepower alone does not tell you acceleration, hill capability or towing permission.

Golf cart horsepower chart: selected documented models

These primary documents were checked October 10, 2026.

Model and powertrain	Published power	What the source shows
Club Car Onward 4, standard electric	3.3 hp / 2.4 kW rated; 13 hp / 9.6 kW peak	Maker labels rated and peak separately; no peak duration stated in this table
Onward 4, Base/XR Lithium	4.7 hp / 3.5 kW rated	Exact lithium configuration; not every Onward
Onward 4, gas	14 hp / 10.3 kW	Maker specifies 429cc Kohler and SAE J1940 at 3,600 rpm
Yamaha 2027 Drive2 PTV PowerTech AC	6.7 hp / 5.0 kW	Published power figure; no continuous-duty test conditions stated
Yamaha 2027 Drive2 PTV PowerTech Li	4.4 hp / 3.3 kW	Separate lithium model; no duty conditions stated
E-Z-GO RXV EX1 EFI, manual 10036460-E	11.5 hp / 8.6 kW	Manual identifies a 150cc EX1 and rated horsepower

The table reproduces each source's rounded pairs rather than silently recalculating the manufacturer's HP figure. For a purchase, obtain the specification and manual for the delivered model year, motor and battery option. A legacy Kawasaki engine specification does not describe every current E-Z-GO gas cart.

For the wider ownership questions, see our Club Car, E-Z-GO and Yamaha reviews.

Convert kW to horsepower without changing the rating

NIST's conversion table gives about 745.7 watts per mechanical horsepower. For that convention:

HP = kW × 1,000 ÷ 745.7, or approximately kW × 1.341.

A hypothetical 5.0kW mechanical-output figure converts to about 6.71hp. If 5.0kW is a peak figure, 6.71hp is still peak. If it is a rated figure, the conversion retains that qualification. If its duty or input/output meaning is unspecified, the conversion cannot supply it.

Our check of the Onward figures: 13hp peak divided by 3.3hp rated is about 3.94. Reporting the larger number without its peak label would make this particular motor appear nearly four times as powerful as the maker's rated figure. That ratio is specific to this motor.

Gas ratings also have stated engine speed and test conventions. Do not treat a maximum rated gas-engine number as output delivered indefinitely at every speed or environmental condition.

Torque, speed and mechanical power

Torque is turning force. Mechanical shaft power depends on both torque and rotational speed. Yokogawa's motor-testing explanation distinguishes electrical input from mechanical output and describes measuring shaft torque and speed to establish output.

For an illustration, assume a shaft produces 20Nm:

Assumed shaft speed	Mechanical power, torque × angular speed
0 rpm	0W
1,000 rpm	About 2,094W, or 2.81hp
2,000 rpm	About 4,189W, or 5.62hp

The calculation uses watts = Nm × rpm × 2π ÷ 60. It holds torque constant to show the relationship. A motor can develop torque at a stopped shaft while delivering zero mechanical power at that instant. This does not mean every electric cart delivers “100% torque” at zero speed.

Wheel force also depends on gearing, tire radius, drivetrain losses and the controller/battery's permitted operating conditions. An advertised controller amperage may describe motor-side current or a timed peak, rather than continuous battery draw. See motor draw and AC versus DC motors for those distinctions.

A real owner discussion shows why upgrade claims need conditions

In an owner discussion retrieved October 10, 2026, TrunkMonkeyJr described a 2016 Precedent with new non-lithium 48V batteries and satisfaction with its reported 19mph top speed, while asking for better uphill speed. Contributor cbjensen123 separately described a 1995 DS with a Grizzly motor, stock controller and Enjoybot lithium pack, reporting improved speed and pulling compared with the previous setup.

These are different owners and carts, and the DS changed several parts at once, so its result does not isolate the motor.

Use owner experience to frame questions for a test drive or supplier. Ask what changed besides the motor, what the old components' condition was, and whether the route and load were comparable.

How much horsepower do you need for hills or passengers?

A rule like “5hp handles four adults” ignores the cart's mass, grade, speed, traction and thermal limits. Start with the model's seating, total load and permitted operating conditions. A higher power figure does not increase its approved load or grant permission to tow.

For a test drive, specify the passenger/cargo load within the maker's limits and a route the vehicle is approved to use. Compare uphill speed, stopping/control on the descent and any thermal limiting over the intended duration. A brief unloaded acceleration run answers a different question from sustained loaded climbing.

Our weight guide, hill-buying guide and trailer-hitch guide help collect the relevant configuration and capacity information. Confirm each cart's actual rating before purchase.

Before changing a motor or controller

Get written compatibility for the complete system: motor, controller programming, battery/BMS current limits, solenoid/contactors, cables, charger, brakes and gearing. Before fitting a larger motor or raising voltage, confirm that the existing system can supply and safely use more power.

Request an itemized installed quote and the exact warranty implications for the proposed kit and vehicle. Ask the installer to document the expected result, any required supporting parts and the warranty terms for your exact configuration. For a cart that recently lost performance, diagnose the fault before treating an upgrade as a repair; see troubleshooting.