
Torque in physics is a special moment, equal to the product of force and the moment arm, with the international unit being Newton-meter (N-m). The torque coefficient is a proportional coefficient: In high-strength bolted connections, it is the proportional coefficient between the tightening torque applied to the nut and the axial preload (tightening axial force) introduced in the bolt. Introduction to torque: Torque, like power, is one of the main indicators of a car engine, reflecting in car performance including acceleration, climbing ability, and suspension. Its precise definition is: the piston's reciprocating motion in the cylinder does a certain amount of work per cycle, with the unit being Newton.

I remember last year when my friend and I went for a test drive of a new car, we talked about the units for maximum torque. Maximum torque generally has two units: Newton-meters and pound-feet. The former is more commonly used in European cars or those with the metric system, such as numbers like 150 or 200 Newton-meters. The latter is an imperial unit, often seen in American cars or older models, such as labeled 300 pound-feet. These units tell you the engine's torque, which is essentially the force behind acceleration. If you frequently drive on mountain roads or uphill, a car with higher torque (after unit conversion) will feel more stable. I think the key is understanding the unit differences—1 pound-foot is approximately equal to 1.36 Newton-meters. Don’t just assume a higher number means better performance; you need to actually convert and compare. Nowadays, most new car manuals use Newton-meters, which is more standardized and convenient for reference when choosing or repairing a car. Though the units may seem minor, they relate to safety and driving enjoyment, so don’t overlook them.

In the repair shop, we deal with maximum torque units every day, most commonly Newton-meters and pound-feet. Metric cars use the former, while imperial cars use the latter—the units represent the magnitude of the torque value. Simply put, higher torque means more power for acceleration. Tools are marked with these unit scales, and when tuning the engine, you must read the units accurately. I recommend memorizing the conversion ratio: 1 pound-foot is approximately 1.36 Newton-meters, to avoid fixing the wrong part and causing issues. Most modern cars have shifted to metric units, but older car owners still frequently ask about pound-feet, so understanding unit differences can save you trouble. When reading repair manuals, units are basic information—getting them right ensures safety and reliability.

When making a purchase, customers often focus on vehicle performance, with maximum torque measured in Newton-meters or pound-feet. This directly impacts engine responsiveness and the sensation during acceleration. Globally, Newton-meters are more commonly used, while pound-feet are frequently seen in American vehicles. The conversion is straightforward, with 1 pound-foot approximately equal to 1.36 Newton-meters. When choosing between an SUV or a sports car, don't just look at the numbers—ensure the units are consistent for a fair comparison.


