What are Torque and Horsepower?
Two terms that get thrown around a lot when talking about cars are “torque” and “horsepower.” You know they have something to do with what’s “under the hood.” But what, exactly, are they? How are they calculated? How are they related? And why are they important?
Let’s discuss the basic idea behind each term, and then figure out how you can apply them to your car shopping experience. Knowing the difference between them and why they matter can help you make a more informed buying decision.
What is Torque on a Car?
Very simply put, torque is a way to measure force; specifically, it is a measurement of the rotational force within your car’s engine at the crankshaft. Torque relates directly to the speed of your car: i.e., higher torque equals higher speed. Horsepower is responsible for speed too, but in a different way (more on that later).
The up and down motion of your car’s pistons in the engine create the force that transfers to your wheels, causing them to rotate. Torque is measured in pounds per feet (lbs-ft). This is why a car with higher torque will also be able to tow more weight. The amount of force produced by the engine relates directly to how much a vehicle will be able to pull.
What this all means is that a car with higher torque has more twisting power, thereby enabling it to go from stop to start in a shorter amount of time. When car aficionados talk about a car going from 0-60 in a certain amount of time, they are referring to the car’s torque. Imagine the Hulk opening a jar of pickles versus a small child: the amount of force needed to open the jar is the same, but the time it takes each person to open the jar will depend on their respective strength and the amount of work they put into it (although the Hulk would probably just smash).
Horsepower in Cars
Horsepower is a measure of how much power your engine can produce in a certain amount of time (usually measured in either one second or one minute). Like torque, horsepower contributes to a vehicle’s overall speed, but in a different way. It still begins in the engine, but has more to do with accelerating and maintaining speed than the time it takes to start up.
Basically, when you press on your gas pedal, the amount of horsepower your engine has will determine how long it takes you to make your top speed, and how you maintain that speed.
The term “horsepower” was first used in the 18th century by James Watt, an engineer from Scotland. The system was used to compare the output of new steam engines to that of horse drawn vehicles, and the term stuck around for car engines. Horsepower is still calculated using Watts as the unit of measurement, in both the mechanical (Imperial) and metric systems.
How Are Torque and Horsepower Related?
To sum it up, both torque and horsepower are measures of force used to determine a vehicle’s speed and they both relate to an engine’s work output. While torque is the measure of rotational force the engine can produce, horsepower refers to how quickly a vehicle can reach and maintain its top speed. If torque gets you started, horsepower delivers.
Why HP and Torque Matter in Your Car
With horsepower and torque, we are talking about speed and towing capacity, essential components of a vehicle. So which, if either, is more important? That depends entirely on what you are looking for in a vehicle.
It’s possible to have a car with high torque and low horsepower, and vice versa. For example, a heavy vehicle designed to tow a lot of weight might have plenty of torque, but higher horsepower is unnecessary. High torque is considered a great advantage in electric vehicles.
Of course there are vehicles designed to have both. The 2021 Merecede-Benz AMG® GT Black Series, for example, boasts a category-bursting 720 horsepower (the highest of any Mercedes) and 590 lb-ft of torque. The engine’s torque means it can go from 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds and 720 horsepower enables it to reach up to 124mph in less than 9 seconds.
For most consumers, you will simply need to consider your personal needs. Some people really like revving up an engine (lower torque) before starting off, while others want a very responsive car.
Mid-level torque with moderate horsepower is probably the best bet for the average driver. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE series has 255 hp and 275 lbs-ft, just about what you would expect for an SUV in this range.
Visit Mercedes-Benz of Littleton for a Test Drive
Ready to buy? Ultimately it never hurts to do your research before heading into the dealership. Knowing the basics about torque and horsepower will help you ask the right questions and find the vehicle that best fits your needs. Your friends at Mercedes-Benz of Littleton are always happy to talk shop with you and answer any questions you may have on torque, horsepower, or otherwise!
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