What Does Automotive Torque Refer To?
4 Answers
Automotive torque refers to the rotational force output from the crankshaft of an engine. Under constant power conditions, it has an inverse relationship with engine speed – the faster the speed, the smaller the torque, and vice versa. It reflects the vehicle's load-bearing capacity within a certain range. External torque is called torsional moment or external couple moment, while internal torque is referred to as internal couple moment or torque. The magnitude of automotive torque plays a decisive role in the vehicle's speed and climbing ability. The greater the torque, the more power the engine outputs, the faster the crankshaft speed changes, and the better the vehicle's climbing ability, starting speed, and acceleration performance. Its unit is Newton-meter (Nm).
I think car torque is the rotational force produced by the engine, just like the force you apply when twisting a screw. When driving, torque determines how quickly a car can accelerate from a standstill or climb a hill. For example, when the traffic light turns green, a car with high torque feels like it's given a strong push and surges forward, while a low-torque car feels sluggish and accelerates slowly. I often experience this during my daily commute, especially on steep mountain roads—low-torque cars require heavy throttle input, wasting fuel and being tiring. This is different from horsepower, which governs top speed, whereas torque is about instant burst power. When choosing a car, I prefer high-torque models because they not only accelerate faster but also make overtaking safer and easier. Additionally, electric vehicles usually have very high torque, making their acceleration incredibly powerful. Understanding torque helps people better appreciate the driving experience.
As a car enthusiast, I believe torque is the engine's explosive force at low RPM, directly affecting the car's starting and acceleration capabilities. There are significant differences between engine types: diesel engines deliver high torque at low RPM, making them great for climbing or towing; gasoline engines typically reach peak torque at higher RPM, making them more suitable for high-speed driving. I've modified my car by adding a turbocharger, and the torque skyrocketed, making the 0-100 km/h acceleration exhilarating. While horsepower is important, torque is what really determines driving pleasure in everyday driving. Different car models also have varying torque curves, with some performing best at mid-range RPM. If you frequently drive in the city, paying attention to torque can improve responsiveness and safety.
When I first bought a car, the salesperson mentioned torque, and I was clueless. Later, I realized it's the pushing force when the car starts moving. My first car had low torque, and I always lagged behind at traffic lights, which felt awful. After switching to a new car with higher torque, the acceleration was like an arrow shooting forward, making overtaking a breeze. Young people shouldn’t just focus on looks when choosing a car—torque directly impacts daily driving experiences, whether it’s frequent stops and starts in the city, carrying friends, or climbing hills. On a budget, electric cars often deliver impressive torque, launching you forward the moment you press the pedal. In short, torque is about the instant thrill of driving—learning a bit about it boosts confidence behind the wheel.
