Does Greater Torque Mean More Power?
2 Answers
Theoretically, under the condition of constant engine power, torque is inversely proportional to engine speed. The faster the speed, the smaller the torque, and vice versa. However, it is not accurate to say that the greater the engine torque, the faster the vehicle accelerates. It can only be said that greater engine torque contributes to improved acceleration performance. Engine Overview: Torque is a special moment that causes an object to rotate. Engine torque refers to the moment output from the crankshaft end of the engine. Under fixed power conditions, it is inversely proportional to engine speed—the faster the speed, the smaller the torque, and vice versa. Role of Torque: Torque reflects the load capacity of a vehicle within a certain range. External torque is called torsion or external couple moment, while internal torque is called internal couple moment or simply torque. Different Applications: For family cars, greater torque means better acceleration; for off-road vehicles, greater torque allows for steeper climbing angles; for trucks, greater torque enables the vehicle to pull heavier loads. Generally, the greater the torque, the better the vehicle performs. This also applies during driving—under the same displacement conditions, greater torque indicates a better engine.
When I first started learning car repair, I thought the same way, but now I understand that torque and power are two different things. Here's a simple example: off-road vehicles have high torque to climb steep slopes, but for high-speed performance, it's all about power (power = torque x RPM). Take my old Pajero, for instance—it has 380 Nm of low-end torque, but once the revs hit 4000 RPM, it starts wheezing. Meanwhile, my friend's Honda Civic with just 200 Nm can easily hit 180 mph. What really affects acceleration is wheel torque, which only counts after the gear ratio amplifies it. Last time, I modified my pickup truck to add 50 Nm of torque, but the 0-100 km/h time actually slowed by 0.3 seconds because turbo lag pushed the powerband higher. If you ask me, real power depends on how flat the torque curve is and how early the peak arrives.
