Originally Posted by U TOSLOW
I have always been taught this way.
Torque = the ability to move something
HP = the ability to keep that object moving.
Just my .02
yes and no.
Tourqe is the ability to accelerate something.
almost any car can go 60mph but tq determines how fast you can get to 60mph.
HP is the ability to move something.
a 100hp car or 500hp car can both do 60mph, but the 100hp car won't do 140mph. A 10hp lawnmower won't get to 40mph.
a go kart with say 20hp and 80lb ft of TQ (just go with me on the numbers) will only see maybe 40mph, but it will get their faster than a 500hp car with only 50lb ft of TQ, with all weights being equal. on the other side the 500hp car will catch up to the go jart quickly as the kart tops out at 40mph and the car continues to 150mph+
HP gets you from a to b, and determines top speed ( yes weight is a factor but for simplicity forget weight).
TQ determines how far back your head snaps when you step on the gas. you can have all the tq in the world but with 2hp you'll only win a 2ft race.