What is the so-called car torque?
2 Answers
The so-called car torque is the moment output from the crankshaft end of the engine. Under the condition of fixed power, it has an inverse relationship with the engine speed. The faster the speed, the smaller the torque, and vice versa. It reflects the load capacity of the car within a certain range. The unit of car torque is Newton meters, and the work done per unit distance is torque. Like power, car torque is one of the main indicators of the engine, reflected in car performance, including acceleration, climbing ability, and suspension. The greater the engine load, the greater the impact of torque, such as heavier cars, uphill overtaking, and other high-load conditions. Depending on the car model, the explosive force and throttle response within the first 0.5 to 2 seconds of pressing the accelerator are determined by the torque size, while the subsequent acceleration ability and sustained explosive force are determined by the power size.
Having driven for fifteen years, I feel that torque is like the strength of a car. To put it simply, imagine two people pushing a box at the same time—the stronger person moves it with one push, while the weaker one struggles for a while. Car torque is this 'strength,' and the higher the number, the more powerful it is. You see those heavy trucks climbing hills effortlessly because diesel engines have two to three times the torque of regular sedans. I once drove a friend's sports car with 400 N·m of torque, and overtaking on the highway was exhilarating—just a light tap on the accelerator and the speed shot up. Actually, focusing only on horsepower when buying a car can be misleading. Horsepower is like top running speed, while torque is the explosive force at the start. Especially for friends in the north, when climbing snowy hills in winter, cars with higher torque experience less tire slippage.
