Hereâ??s the formula for the relationship between horsepower and torque:
T = (HP x 5252)/RPM
Or
HP = (T x RPM)/5252
Presumably, because the Taurus shows more peak torque, but a lower HP rating, the Mazda 6 has a slower torque drop off at high RPMs, thus resulting in a higher peak horsepower. As noted by Nick, there are several differences in the heads, cams, intake, (and, I would guess also exhaust).
Torque can be multiplied, horsepower cannot. So a 2:1 gear reduction doubles the T, but cuts the RPM in half, no effect on the HP.
This also explains why diesels have such low HP ratings with high torque.
Engine 1: 200 lb-ft torque at 5000 rpm equals 190 HP
Engine 2: 400 lb-ft torque at 2500 rpm equals 190 HP
At to an F-1 engine. The actual numbers are closely guarded secrets, but these are probably not too far off:
HP â?? 900 - 1000
Peak RPM â?? 18000 - 19000
Torque at peak HP â?? 265 â?? 290
As you can see, they are getting the HUGE horsepower by spinning the engine so high. It is interesting how short a modern F-1 cars is geared. They reach a top speed of about 210mph at 18 â?? 19K RPMs in high gear. For perspective, that equals about 70 mph at 6000 RPMs. (somewhere between 2nd and 3rd gear on a contour 5sp, about 2nd gear in the automatic.) And that is 7th gear. Imagine how short 1st gear is.
Just some food for thought.
Richard
