Its more than that. With GOOD responses like the power to weight ratio someone linked to people can see how much of a difference removing weight can make or adding just a little bit of hp can make. With GOOD responses such as how gearing plays a big part of it people can understand their car better for what their specific goals are.

 

A general rule of thumb that actually works pretty well is 10whp to every 100lbs. Gets you in the ball park on who is going to win at least.

 

It all comes down to power to weight ratio.. and the driver aswell