Horsepower and torque are important measurements for evaluating a vehicle’s capabilities. But what do they mean? What’s the difference between horsepower and torque? Let’s take a look.
Horsepower
It’s a simple concept, really. Horsepower indicates the power that an engine produces, and it’s measured in the amount of power necessary to move 550 pounds one foot in one second, or 33,000 pounds a minute. Horsepower is an apples-to-apples way of comparing vehicles because it tells you exactly how much power is available to move them.
Torque
Torque is a bit more complex. Think of torque as a measure of force. Torque is actually a measurement of the twisting force that the engine crankshaft puts against a load on an engine, and that number is used in the formula for computing horsepower. Engineers measure torque at different engine speeds, or revolutions per minute (RPM). Horsepower can’t be measured without it. The higher the amount of torque, the more potential it has to move an object, so it’s an important factor when looking at a vehicle’s towing and hauling capabilities.
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