what is torque in car terms

[StAlessandra]

Torque is the rotational force produced by a car's engine, measured in pound-feet (lb-ft) in the U.S., and it determines how quickly a vehicle can accelerate or tow heavy loads. Think of it as the "grunt" or pulling power that gets you moving from a stop, unlike horsepower, which relates to top speed. For example, high torque is key for trucks climbing hills or EVs delivering instant acceleration.

When you press the gas pedal, torque is what you feel pushing you back into the seat. It's generated by the engine's pistons and transmitted through the drivetrain to the wheels. Horsepower, often discussed alongside torque, is calculated from torque and engine speed (RPM); horsepower = (torque × RPM) / 5,252. While torque provides low-end power, horsepower sustains higher speeds.

In practical terms, vehicles with higher torque numbers excel in tasks like towing or off-roading. For instance, diesel engines typically have high torque at low RPMs, making them efficient for hauling. Modern turbocharging and electric motors enhance torque delivery, offering immediate response.

Here's a comparison of torque figures for various common vehicles to illustrate the range:

Vehicle Model	Engine Type	Torque (lb-ft)
Honda Civic	1.5L Turbo	162
Ford F-150	3.5L EcoBoost	400
Tesla Model S	Electric	713
Toyota Camry	2.5L Hybrid	163
Chevrolet Silverado	6.2L V8	460
BMW 3 Series	2.0L Turbo	258
Ram 1500	3.0L Diesel	480
Subaru Outback	2.4L Turbo	277
Porsche 911	3.0L Twin-Turbo	331
Nissan Rogue	1.5L Turbo	180

For daily driving, torque affects how responsive a car feels in stop-and-go traffic. When choosing a vehicle, consider your needs: higher torque benefits towing, while balanced torque and horsepower suit general commuting. Always test drive to feel the difference firsthand.

[DiDeclan]

I always explain torque as the muscle behind the wheel—it's that kick you get when you hit the gas. My buddy's truck has crazy torque, so it hauls trailers without breaking a sweat. For regular cars, it just means quicker starts from red lights. You don't need to overthink it; more torque usually makes driving more fun and practical for heavy loads.

[LaLuna]

From my years tinkering with engines, torque is the twist force that gets things moving. It's why a big V8 can pull a boat easily, while a small engine might struggle. I tell folks to look at torque numbers if they do a lot of city driving or towing—it makes merges and hills feel effortless. Just remember, it's about low-end power, not top speed.