According to these data .45 is only a few foot pounds stronger than 9mm. If that is so why is .45 regarded as the more powerful "manlier" caliber??
.45 ACP
Ballistic performance
Bullet weight/type Velocity Energy
165 gr JHP 1060 ft/s
(~323 m/s) 378 ft·lbf
(~514 J)
185 gr JHP 950 ft/s
(~290 m/s) 371 ft·lbf
(~505 J)
230 gr JHP 850 ft/s
(~259 m/s) 369 ft·lbf
(~502 J)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.45
9mm
Ballistic performance
Bullet weight/type Velocity Energy
115 gr FMJ 1180 ft/s
(~360 m/s) 356 ft·lbf
(~484 J)
124 gr FMJ 1150 ft/s
(~351 m/s) 364 ft·lbf
(~495 J)
147 gr FMJ 1000 ft/s
(~305 m/s) 326 ft·lbf
(~443 J)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9_mm_Luger_Parabellum
.45 ACP
Ballistic performance
Bullet weight/type Velocity Energy
165 gr JHP 1060 ft/s
(~323 m/s) 378 ft·lbf
(~514 J)
185 gr JHP 950 ft/s
(~290 m/s) 371 ft·lbf
(~505 J)
230 gr JHP 850 ft/s
(~259 m/s) 369 ft·lbf
(~502 J)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.45
9mm
Ballistic performance
Bullet weight/type Velocity Energy
115 gr FMJ 1180 ft/s
(~360 m/s) 356 ft·lbf
(~484 J)
124 gr FMJ 1150 ft/s
(~351 m/s) 364 ft·lbf
(~495 J)
147 gr FMJ 1000 ft/s
(~305 m/s) 326 ft·lbf
(~443 J)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9_mm_Luger_Parabellum