torque is measured by the imep (mean effective pressure) placed on the top of piston. That torque curved can be low, as in a truck, by increasing airflow velocity at lower rpms. Take for example the TPI used in vettes and camaro's. It made hella torque and felt fast as hell until 4500 rpm where it fell on its face. On the other hand an ls1 will not "feel" as fast down low but makes up for that in power produced over a shorter time span at high revs. This is all determined in the airflow capability (camshaft, cylinder head cross section, valve size) of the intake tract in relation to bore/stroke. You also get into the weight/rpm relation. A heavy car wants more torque down low to accelerate the mass quicker in lower revs, a light car will want a high rpm/torque bias.

Just remember, its not just horsepower and torque, its how and where you use it that wins races.