What Is Torque In Cars?

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What Is Torque?

If you currently have an automatic transmission vehicle, then you already use torque converters daily. These converters are some of the most complex parts in the internal areas of your vehicle. The engine connects to the transmission with a clutch, so the vehicle can come to a full stop without harming the engine. Vehicles that feature an automatic transmission have something else that connects the engine to the transmission: a torque converter.

You will find this doughnut-shaped component attached directly between the transmission and engine. Two series of curved blades, facing opposite directions, work inside the converter. The inside will be filled with transmission fluid that helps transfer power from the engine to the transmission. Torque converters generally work with maximum efficiency by generating as much energy transmission as possible, while reducing any heat buildup.

How Torque Works In A Car

Essentially, the torque converter in your car is the same as a vehicle’s clutch with a manual transmission. Unlike a manual transmission, though, the converter uses fluid to power the transmission. This is done to prevent your engine from stalling.

Every engine, regardless if its hybrid or gasoline, will generate a certain amount of both torque and horsepower. Even though the two are related to one another, both will express engine output differently. Torque is actually used in calculation of the engine’s horsepower. Both torque and horsepower are measured so drivers know what type of performance to expect of their vehicle.

Mainstream car engines can generate between 100-400 lb. -ft of torque. Torque is created by the engine’s crankshaft, then transferred to the wheels. Output results from many factors, including engine size and operation. The more torque a vehicle has, the more capable it is of towing and hauling.

Torque Vs Horsepower

Here are five of the biggest differences between torque and horsepower:

Torque Is More Necessary For Towing

If you haul trailers, boats or campers often, then you’ll want to focus on torque instead of horsepower. Torque is what matters for reducing strain on your vehicle during the hauling process. Torque is designed to help your vehicle navigate hills and other rough roads. A vehicle with higher torque will likely take more time to accelerate, though.

Differences In Vehicle Acceleration

Whenever you press down on the gas pedal, the vehicle goes through a cycle or combination of horsepower and torque. In terms of how you accelerate, though, the two will have their own separate functions. It is the torque’s job to get the vehicle moving when initially accelerating. The horsepower kicks in once the car gets up to speed.

Used To Measure Different Features

Torque measures rotational force. Horsepower, meanwhile, measures the amount of power transferred from engine to the wheels. Horsepower measures based on weight of the object in motion, distance moved and time to cover said distance.

Not Equal For Fuel Efficiency

One of the biggest differences between horsepower and torque is fuel efficiency. A car with a lot of horsepower will burn through fuel faster. Low-end torque vehicles will not go through fuel as quickly.

Horsepower Is All About Performance

Drivers who want speed and power under the hood will want high-horsepower vehicles. The higher the horsepower rating in the car, the faster it will move, in general. However, higher horsepower vehicles will still rely on torque. Finding vehicles with a perfect balance of horsepower and torque will make for the best driving experience.