HP and Torque

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Dec 14, 2003 | 09:43 PM

HerbertKornfeld

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From: Spring, TX

HP and Torque

Anyone got an easy explanation on the difference between horsepower and torque?

Dec 14, 2003 | 09:47 PM

Yeti

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From: IN FRONT OF YOU

Check this out:

http://science.howstuffworks.com/fpte3.htm

Dec 14, 2003 | 10:15 PM

nafzimo

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From: Central Illinois

Power = Torque X RPM

Dec 15, 2003 | 12:01 AM

Monsta

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From: Washington State

Quote:

Originally posted by nafzimo
Power = Torque X RPM

then divided by 5252.

TRQ - gets the load moving
HP - keeps it moving

TRQ - how quick you move off the line
HP - how fast you cross the other

Last edited by Monsta; Dec 15, 2003 at 12:06 AM.

Dec 15, 2003 | 06:58 AM

HerbertKornfeld

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From: Spring, TX

So, is torque also responsible for moving acceleration (i.e. 40 to 60mph times) also?

Dec 15, 2003 | 09:21 AM

Waxy

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From: Calgary Canada

Quote:

Originally posted by HerbertKornfeld
So, is torque also responsible for moving acceleration (i.e. 40 to 60mph times) also?

Yes. That's why, IMHO, you want as long and flat a torque curve as you can get.

Like was said - Torque = acceleration.

Peak HP numbers are pretty meaningless if they're derived at high rpms - ie rpm ranges that you'll never drive in.

That's why I'm always skeptical of performance mods that state large HP gains. You can do nothing to an engine's performance but increase peak rpm and get a "calculated" increase in HP. You won't feel a thing though.

Waxy

Dec 15, 2003 | 11:45 AM

HerbertKornfeld

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From: Spring, TX

If Power is a function of Torque, then why doesn't the HP curve move in proportion with the Torque curve?

Wouldn't an improvement in one equal an improvement in the other?