What Does Torque Mean?
2 Answers
Torque is a special type of moment that causes an object to rotate. The torque of an engine refers to the moment output from the crankshaft end. Under constant power conditions, it is inversely proportional to the engine speed—the faster the speed, the smaller the torque, and vice versa. Torque reflects a car's load capacity within a certain range. External torque is called turning moment or external couple moment, while internal torque is referred to as internal couple moment or simply torque. For family cars, greater torque means better acceleration; for off-road vehicles, greater torque allows for steeper climbing angles; for trucks, greater torque enables hauling heavier loads. Generally, the greater the torque, the better the car performs, and this holds true while driving as well. With the same displacement, a higher torque indicates a better engine.
When I first bought a car, I didn’t really understand what torque was either. After driving more, I realized it’s essentially the rotational force of the engine that gets the wheels moving quickly. For example, when starting from a stop, a car with high torque can surge forward as soon as the traffic light turns green—it feels really powerful. I once drove a friend’s diesel pickup truck with high torque, and it handled towing loads effortlessly and climbed hills with ease. On the other hand, smaller cars with lower torque are fine for city driving but struggle on steep inclines. Torque also affects acceleration performance—unlike horsepower, which focuses on sustained speed, torque is about instant power delivery. When choosing a car, I pay attention to the torque value and its unit of measurement, usually Newton-meters or pound-feet. The higher the torque, the quicker the car accelerates from a stop, making the drive more exhilarating. In daily driving, a car with good torque makes the journey safer and more comfortable, especially in rain or snow, as it provides better traction and reduces wheel slip. That satisfying push you feel when stepping on the gas? That’s torque at work—it genuinely enhances the driving experience.
