What’s the Difference: Torque and Horsepower?

Like most people, you may know the terms “torque” and “horsepower,” but not necessarily what they mean. So here at Mclarty Daniel Ford Lincoln, we’ve created a cheat sheet to help you comprehend the critical differences between torque and horsepower.

What exactly is horsepower?

The amount of power delivered from the engine to the wheels, or how quickly the engine can accomplish work, is measured in horsepower.

We’ll use the physics definition of work here – the energy transferred to or from an item by applying force along with a displacement.

What exactly is torque?

Torque is a unit of measurement for a vehicle’s ability to perform work. It especially refers to the rotational force imparted to the vehicle’s crankshaft.

In general, the higher the torque, the higher the horsepower, especially at lower crankshaft RPMs. This delivers a lot of power at low speeds, which is ideal if you’re hauling a hefty trailer or camper.

Is torque the cause of speed?

Torque is useful for acceleration, but not in the same way that horsepower is. When you press the gas pedal, torque propels your vehicle forward; horsepower keeps it moving.

Vehicles with a lot of horsepower are built to be fast, such as the 2021 Ford Mustang. Its horsepower moves it swiftly due to its size.

However, bigger vehicles like SUVs or Trucks, such as the 2021 Ford Expedition, have a lot of torque. However, its size will not travel as quickly as a more miniature vehicle with the same number of horses. It simply requires a lot of force to move. Likewise, a larger vehicle will require more torque than a smaller vehicle.

Which has a greater impact on fuel economy?

If you want to drive cheaply and spend as little money as possible at the gas pump, you should opt for a car with lower torque and horsepower statistics. Because horsepower burns fuel when accelerating, the more horsepower you have, the faster you’ll burn through gasoline.

Smaller engines typically have less horsepower, so look for vehicles like the 2021 Ford EcoSport or a used Ford Focus, for example.

Vehicles with low-end torque at slower speeds use less gas, but it all relies on how you drive. If you drive aggressively and “floor it,” you will likely burn up more gasoline faster and may damage your vehicle in the process.

Is it better to have greater torque or more horsepower when towing?

Torque is your best buddy if you intend to tow a trailer or camper. Torque is similar to a muscle in your car. Because low torque is analogous to weak muscles, your vehicle may struggle to tow additional weight. Increased torque reduces the strain on your vehicle’s transmission.

Even though your mid-size SUV is technically capable of towing more than 10,000 pounds, you may want to consider upgrading to a vehicle specifically designed for towing, such as a 2021 Ford F-150. It provides the torque and horsepower you need to have a pleasurable drive while towing, and it can transport huge loads without putting strain on the transmission or other elements.

You’re sure to find vehicles, trucks, and SUVs with various torque and horsepower ranges to suit your demands here at McLarty Daniel Ford Lincoln serving Centerton, Bella Vista, Bentonville, Eureka Springs, Fayetteville, Pea Ridge, Springdale, and Rogers, Arkansas. Swing
by for a test drive today!

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