One thing about HP and cars..... I have ran against cars with a lot more HP, in fact, I am out gunned in about every race at the local drag strip and half mile runs that I have done. It really isn't all that important as much as how you deliver that HP to the track..... So many factors to contend with...drive train, suspension, weight, transfer of weight, wheel size, tire size, tire type, track conditions, weather....etc etc... Bottom line for me is who crosses that finish line first, and if I didn't what do I need to do to improve. Right now for me, is the rear end gear change if that is ever possible. Right now it isn't.
I might add one more thing, is those who have been successful with Nitrous Oxide injection. They push the parameters of a car's HP instantly for just a few seconds. The bottom end of an AMG motor has said to have been rated up to 800 hp. So they can take it. I just don't get into arguing numbers as much as arguing times in the 1/4 or 1/2 mile. If you have done you homework and can turn those numbers time and time again...then you have done all you can do until the next modification comes along.