Originally posted by stiller fan
a/c's rob the 4-banger of about 5-10 horses...at least it feels like it to me anyway...

Originally posted by BenjiBoy650
Much more than 5-10!



These posts from a ways back got me thinking. How much power does the A/C rob? :confused:


And as far as the poll goes, can you feel a loss of power?

I notice it primarily when starting off. There is a big difference starting from a complete stop with the A/C on. It isn't as noticeable in any other gear or at any other rpm.

I put I can feel it, but I want to explain.

The A/C shuts off under a really heavy load....it's supposed to & I know when it does.

I can certainly tell the difference on days that it's not kicking on.....I have a tendency to push the pedal the same & squeal wheels! So I feel when it kicks off more than when it comes on!

So I feel a power gain, not so much a power loss!:)

since i haven't utilized all of my car's power from a stop, it's hard to say if i'm loosing much power, but i do know it's harder to get it in gear from a stop when the ac is on! but on the highway, i don't notice too drastic of a power loss if i turn the ac on.

i feel a slight loss in power when i turn it on. have to think about it to notice it (4 cyl. auto).

this is my biggest gripe with this car.... during acceleration, the revs drop significantly faster when shifting than with the a/c off... and I can feel it kick in when cruising on the highway. hopefully soon honda will incorperate clutchless compressors like some other manufacturers.... that would make it basically unnoticable to us..... I've also noticed that when I leave the car sit at the airport for 3 to 5 days, when the a/c compressor first comes on, there is a very loud clunk type sound.. but only after it hasn't run for days... anyone else notice this????????

I notice the noise quite a lot, especially when I turn it on when the car is cold (high RPM clutch engagement). Doesn't bother me, AC still works good. The problem is that it revs significantly slower with the AC on. To drive at normal pace with the AC on around the city, I end up using 40-50% more throttle, and sometimes that means the pedal is on the floor :bawling:

Mine has sat for 2 weeks & not made any abnormal sounds when using it the first time. Yes, I do hear the compressor though.

i notice the a/c compressor kick on the most when i'm trying to accelerate. i notice it when i'm stopped, or at 70+ mph...i always feel it kick on... :rolleyes:

I'm not sure about the new car yet, but in previous experience, the loss of power is noticeable and if I need to get from a stoplight, I'll turn off the AC before hand.

AC compressors drain power, whether or not it's perceptible.

Although I no longer own an Accord I checked 4 cyl - feel the pain. My '04 2.4l 5 speed really fell on its face with the A/C on which was 99% of the time in TX. My 3.5l RAV4 uses a different type of compressor and I literally can't tell if it's on or off other the cold air blowing.