horsepower vs torque: which is more important?

To measure and communicate the power of a vehicle’s engine, auto manufacturers utilise a variety of metrics. The most frequently used phrases when discussing a car's acceleration are horsepower and torque. So, how significant are they and what do they actually mean?

What is horsepower?

The power an engine produces is referred to as horsepower. It is determined by the amount of force required to move 550 pounds one foot in a second or 33,000 pounds one foot in a minute. The speed at which the work is completed serves as a gauge of power.

What is torque?

While horsepower refers to the engine's overall power production, torque describes the engine's capacity to turn. In the simplest terms possible, horsepower is the speed reached at the end of an acceleration, whereas torque is the force that pushes you back in your seat throughout an acceleration.

The relationship is between horsepower and torque

You can understand why people confuse horsepower and torque because both have an impact on a car's top speed. But in the real world of driving, these variations—along with the design of the vehicle—have a big impact.

For instance, the torque potential of an engine increases with the horsepower output. The vehicle's axel differentials and transmission transfer this "potential" torque into practical applications.

For example, this explains why horsepower differences between a tractor and a race car may be great. In a race car, all of the torque is converted into speed through gearing, whereas in a tractor, the horsepower is utilised to push and pull very large loads.

Horsepower vs torque

So, what is better to have, torque or horsepower? There is no definitive answer for this as it depends heavily on your wants and needs. You also can’t have one without the other.

It’s therefore more important to consider the balance between the two. Examine their interactions or perhaps consider ways to make an engine respond differently by giving it more of one or the other.

Those looking to tow

Source: Moorelands Limited

Torque is what you want to look for when towing. For example, torque will always be higher in a powerful work truck with amazing towing capacity than in a tiny truck suited for light transport.

If you're on the lookout for a high torque vehicle, the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee (pictured) will tow roughly 6,200 lbs with its V6 engine, when properly equipped. This is due to the powerful Pentastar 3.6L V6 engine, which generates 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque.

Those looking for good vehicle performance

Source: Southern Motion Limited

For drivers who desire speed and power beneath the hood, high-horsepower vehicles are made. In relation to its size, a vehicle is more likely to go faster the greater its horsepower rating.

However, even vehicles with larger horsepower ratings rely on torque. For the finest possible driving experience, these cars are built with the ideal ratio of torque to horsepower.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R (pictured) is a great choice for those looking for high acceleration. Under the Golf R's hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder that makes 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.

The future of torque

Generally speaking, the debate over torque vs. horsepower will likely quieten in the future as it will be replaced by one straightforward measurement: Kilowatts.

Gas-powered vehicles require more time to generate their maximum torque since they do so within a certain range of revolutions per minute (RPMs), at which point the power is sent to the wheels via the automatic transmission's gears.

Choosing an electric vehicle is the best option, if you want to accelerate from zero to 60 mph as rapidly as possible.

Compared to gas-powered vehicles, electric cars quickly create torque with little or very little loss. This is because there isn't a regular transmission when the wheels are connected directly to the motor. Electric vehicles start more quickly because power is sent straight to the wheels for fast acceleration.

Read more: Electric cars: everything you ever needed to know

Decide which one better suits your needs

Although horsepower and torque are undeniably linked, knowing what the numbers imply should help you choose the car that best suits your needs. Whether you're searching for a torquey work truck or a high-horsepower sports vehicle, you now know what to watch out for when it comes to horsepower and torque.

Whatever you're after, take a look on findandfundmycar.com

Whether it’s powerful horsepower or high torque you’re after, we’ll have a car to suit your needs.