The term "16v" in a car typically refers to the engine's valve train configuration. It specifically means that the car has a 16 valve engine. These valves control the flow of air and fuel into and out of the combustion chambers.
In contrast, an engine with an 8v designation would only have 8 valves, while a 24v engine would have 24 valves. The more valves an engine has, the more efficiently it can breathe, which can lead to improved performance and fuel economy.
It's worth noting that while valve count is one factor that can impact an engine's performance, it's not the only one. Other factors, such as cylinder count, displacement, and forced induction, can also play a role in determining how powerful an engine is.