Horsepower is the amount of POWER generated by the engine.
Peak Horsepower is usually xxxHP @ xxxxRPM.
Torque is the inverse.
Torque is the amount of RESISTANCE it would take to STOP the engine at that particular moment in time.
Most engines generate more TORQUE in the first 3000-4000 rpm band then Horsepower.
Horsepower kicks in after the Torque peak has usually passed.
To put the two in perspective...
Torque is used to propel your vehicle from a standstill to a particular speed.
Horsepower is used to maintain a particular speed.
More Horsepower Means Faster Top End Speed.
Off the line, Torque plays a major role in how fast your vehicle launches, not to mention traction.
This is the PULLING AWAY sensation you get when your first accelerate.
The higher the Torque the more you feel the car
"pulling on the seat of your pants" when you take off.
When our Duratec Engines pass throught the 3500 - 400 rpm band,
the secondary intake valves open to increase the airflow to the cylinder.
This results in increased HORSEPOWER.
This is the second wind, or second acceleration, that you feel
as the car is accelerating towards the speed of light... he he...
These terms are usually 12 - 18% less at the wheels, because of the Transmission losses.
Less for Manual, More for Automatic.
Pete...
98.5 SE Sport Duratec ATX (P66L) Black Clearcoat on Greystone
DOB 11/21/1997
DOP 12/25/1997
PIAA 510 Super White Driving Lights
SVT CAT-BACK EXHAUST (No Resonator)
DiabloSport Chip (LPQ4) - Engineered To Raise Hell
Too many other mods to list...
Sounds sweet, runs quick...
Crazy Horse Dyno @ 121.4 WHP/129.6 TQ