Torque and HP - what is the correct way to describe them?
04-22-2007, 12:34 PM
#13
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Originally Posted by Iceman' post='416631' date='Apr 22 2007, 08:54 PM
HP is speed, Torque is power.
Quoting the article:
Torque
Torque is a force that tends to cause a rotation.
Work
...Work is defined as the transfer of energy from one system to another
Power
Power is the amount of work that can be done in a certain amount of time, or "the rate of work"
Torque is a force that tends to cause a rotation.
Work
...Work is defined as the transfer of energy from one system to another
Power
Power is the amount of work that can be done in a certain amount of time, or "the rate of work"
ABC
04-22-2007, 12:44 PM
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I read an explanation once that drew parallel with different types of athelete. A marathon runner has a lot of power but not torque in that they can run quickly for long distances but would not be able to pull a heavy weight, whereas a a weightlifter's power is more like torque - good for short bursts and can act effectively against resistance. Or have I got that the wrong way round?
04-22-2007, 02:09 PM
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The practical application is that higher HP gives you top end speed, but higher Torque gives you acceleration.
04-22-2007, 03:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Klepper' post='416656' date='Apr 22 2007, 11:09 PM
The practical application is that higher HP gives you top end speed, but higher Torque gives you acceleration.
Code: M57TU
Type: 3.0 Liter Twin-Turbo Diesel
Max Power: 200 kW (265 hp)
Max Torque: 560 Nm (413 lb-ft)
BMW M5 Engine
Code: S85
Type: 5.0 Liter V10
Max Power: 373 kW (500 hp)
Max Torque: 520 Nm (383 lb-ft)
I believe gearing features too.
ABC
04-22-2007, 03:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Klepper' post='416656' date='Apr 23 2007, 12:09 AM
The practical application is that higher HP gives you top end speed, but higher Torque gives you acceleration.
More torque = more force (not acceleration).
The one tow truck I use to drive has a 6 litre engine with a huge amount of torque, but only 140 HP.
Torque gives you the force to move forward, even in difficult situations and when heavy, but HP makes you fast. The only problem is, HP alone doesn't help, if you don't have enough forward force to get the vehicle in motion...
04-22-2007, 03:52 PM
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The thing that confuses people is that every engine with a certain torque at a certain rev has the same HP at a certain rev and vice versa.
04-22-2007, 08:38 PM
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My Ride: 07' 550i sport; Sapphire Black/Auburn; sport package; steptronic; navigation with R.T.T.I.; heads up; cold weather package; Logic-7; BMW MOST ipod kit; Motorola V3 snap-in adapter; rear heated seats and rear shades; anthracite headliner; sirrius sat. radio; M-aero kit; OEM style 166 Wheels with 245/35-19 front and 285/30-19 rear Michelin PS2s.
Torque is what throws you back into your seat. Horsepower is what you feel when you downshift on the highway and accelerate. Just keep in mind that torque peaks in the 550 @ 3400 rpms while hp peaks just below redline. So when companies advertise a 5 hp gain and a 5 ft. lb. gain in torque, they aren't talking peak torque. i.e. if the 550 generates 280 ftl. lbs. of torque at 6200 rpms then what will an increase to 285 ft. lbs. do at that eninge speed? Certainly far less than it would at 3400 rpms.
Good luck,
DRP
Good luck,
DRP