What is the relationship between engine torque and power?
2 Answers
Engine torque and power are related in that power determines the top speed of the car, while the acceleration force is directly related to torque but also influenced by power. Here is a separate introduction to power and torque: 1. Power refers to the work done by the car per unit of time; the greater the power, the greater the torque, and the higher the pulling force of the car. Maximum power is commonly used to describe the car's dynamic performance, and it is usually expressed in horsepower or kilowatts. Simply put, power determines the car's top speed. 2. Torque refers to the rotational force output by the engine from the crankshaft. Under fixed power conditions, it is inversely proportional to the engine speed—the faster the speed, the smaller the torque, and vice versa. It reflects the car's load capacity within a certain range. Simply put, torque determines the car's maximum acceleration capability.
After driving for a long time, my understanding of torque and power comes from daily experience. When driving in the city, high torque at traffic lights makes the car surge forward with a strong push-back feeling as soon as you step on the gas pedal. For example, SUVs with high torque at low RPMs pull people along effortlessly. On the highway, maintaining a speed of 120 km/h relies on high power support; with insufficient power, the car can feel sluggish. Simply put, power is the result of torque and RPM, roughly calculated as torque multiplied by RPM divided by a constant. Therefore, for city driving, I pay more attention to torque values, which determine acceleration, while for long-distance driving, power affects top speed. When choosing a car, I suggest prioritizing driving habits. Hybrid vehicles often balance both to improve efficiency.
