glad you got to test the bikes out Bubba
i think HP is a fairly good indicator for people who may only see the CC size of the engine.
so that comparing bikes of equal CCs and weight the HP is usually a good indicator of the power of the machine.
Yamaha Virago 250 21HP (302 lbs.)
Kawasaki Ninja 250 36HP (304 lbs.)
i assume power to weight ratios and torque would help someone more technically grounded though (i'm not mechanically inclined so HP works for me)