What is the Torque of a Car?
2 Answers
Car torque refers to the torque force of a car, which is also the moment output from the crankshaft end of the engine. Under the condition of fixed engine power, the car torque is inversely proportional to the engine speed. The faster the speed, the smaller the torque, and vice versa, reflecting the load capacity of the car within a certain range. The magnitude of the car's torque plays a decisive role in the car's acceleration and climbing ability. The greater the torque, the greater the power output by the engine, the faster the change in crankshaft speed, and the better the car's climbing ability, starting speed, and acceleration. The unit of torque is Newton meter (Nm) or kilogram meter (kgm).
I remember when I first started driving, I was particularly curious about what car torque meant. Torque is essentially the rotational force of the engine, which gives the wheels more power to push the car forward. When driving uphill or carrying a full load, the car feels sluggish, but an engine with high torque can handle it effortlessly and accelerate much faster. I once drove a diesel car with exceptionally high torque—it felt like being pushed forward at the start, and the strong acceleration was addictive. This also relates to fuel efficiency because low-torque cars require more frequent gear shifts and throttle inputs in city traffic or highway overtaking, burning more fuel. Torque is usually measured in Newton-meters (Nm) on spec sheets—the higher the number, the more powerful and enduring the engine. Overall, torque is key to smooth driving, and paying attention to it when choosing a car can enhance the experience.
