Horsepower Vs Torque – What is the Difference?
Horsepower Vs Torque – Which Is More Important? Let’s find out
The debate over horsepower and torque goes a long way back and while enthusiasts seem unfazed by the claims of counterparts, it is indeed important for us all to dig into the matter and look beyond the consensus. For a layman, engine is all about power and more power means, better performance, but does it really work like that? Let’s find out.
What is Power?
In a simple language, power is something that works as an impetus for achieving top speed. In other words, power is the scale that gauges the rate of work or efficiency of an engine. Depending on the amount of work and time taken for doing the work, an engine is labelled powerful. The power is denoted by bhp/PS/HP or Kw.
What is a torque?
Torque on the other hand is something that is responsible for the motion. Or in a simpler term, the turning force generated by the engine to move the car. The measure of work done by the engine is gauged by torque. Cars with better torque are capable to pull a lot of weight effortlessly. For example, commercial vehicles are used for carrying goods from one state to another state of India. These commercial vehicles or trucks run on diesel engines because of their ability to produce higher torque. Torque is denoted by following units-Nm/Lb-Ft and Kg-m.
What is the relation between power and torque?
You often see rpm measurements against power and torque, rpm is the revolutions per minute or the count of rotations a crankshaft of a vehicle takes in a minute.
Horsepower = (RPM * Torque)/5252
This implies that torque will always be higher than the horsepower until 5,252 rpm. Post this mark, the horsepower surpasses torque and that is why high revving engines with rpm > 5,252 make higher horsepower compared to low revving engines with rpm < 5,252.
Conclusion-Which is more important-Torque or Horsepower?
After knowing what roles power and torque play, we have now reached the end of this discussion wherein we have to pick a winner. Sadly, it’s a tie. Both torque and power are equally important. Each one of them have their own benefits and limitations. It depends on your need, whether you require vehicles with high pulling strength or cars with high revving engine for higher speeds.
