Compressor and air tool question

It takes more gas powered HP to turn a compressor than an electric motor HP. This is because gas engine hp has a curve while an electric more does not. A 9hp gas motor is the same as about a 5-6 hp electric motor. But don't concern yourself with HP it is another thing cheap compressor companies will use to sell their product. CFM and at what pressure is it rated at is all you need to concern yourself with. Higher effeciency compressors take less HP to run than lower effeciency ones do. Two stage compressors are one of the most effecient. Like most things in life you will get what you pay for in a compressor.

Chuck