Is acceleration determined by horsepower or torque?
1 Answers
When it comes to acceleration, the decisive parameter is torque. Horsepower typically determines the top speed. The relationship between torque and horsepower (power) is that, under constant power conditions, torque is inversely proportional to engine speed. This means that at a certain RPM, greater torque can generate more sufficient power. Below is relevant information: 1. Engine torque refers to the rotational force output from the crankshaft. Under constant power conditions, it is inversely proportional to engine speed - higher RPM results in lower torque, and vice versa. This reflects a vehicle's load capacity within a certain range. 2. For passenger cars, greater torque means better acceleration; for off-road vehicles, greater torque enables climbing steeper slopes; for trucks, greater torque allows hauling heavier loads. 3. Generally, higher torque is better for vehicles. This holds true during driving as well - with the same displacement, higher torque indicates a better engine. Torque is one of the primary parameters for evaluating a vehicle's performance. An important metric for assessing a vehicle is its 0-100 km/h acceleration time, which is determined by the engine's torque.