I know what torque is , but what is better in a car...more bhp or more torque and why???????

Answer 1

The HP of an engine is the torque muliplied by the revs(per minute).
Peak torque is usually lower down in the engine range (2,500 - 3,500 rpm) and is literally the twisting power as applied to the crankshaft, so higher torque equals better acceleration, the maximum HP is usually near the top of the rev range where torque is lower than peak but since it is applied more times per minute (6 thousand engine revolutions as opposed to 3000 say) the total HP is higher.
Which is better depends on what you want from the car, high torque but in a narrow band may be less satisfying to drive than lower torque but in a wider rev range, i.e. diesel engines generally have high torque for their displacement, but won't rev much beyond 4,500 rpm compared to petrol engines that have lower torque but happliy rev to 6,000 giving a higher HP figure.

Answer 2

It depends on what you want. Horsepower gives you more speed. Torque gives you more acceleration and more power. If you make your car do alot of hard work (towing, transporting, off roading, etc.) you would want torque. But most people don't do that stuff so for the most part, horsepower is better.

There is also something about when you increase your horsepwer you naturally get more torque, but the torque and Horsepower in you car should be quite close together, not like 200 more lb-ft of torque than horsepwer, or vice versa.

Answer 3

Peak BHP is usually found at the top end of the rev range, but peak torque is generally further down - about half way up. One is actually a function of the other, but it's how it's delivered that matters. That said, I'd go for torque every time - that is what gives you acceleration.

Answer 4

As said above, it depends what you want the car for. Imagine Torque as being the worlds strongest man, and bhp to be a gymnast. The first can shift enormous weights, but struggles with super fast movements, where as the gymnast can explode off the floor, or vault or whatever, but cannot pull a bus. Torque is very important in towing, and usually makes for a smoother drive, as you dont have to change gears so much, but for a boy racer ride, bhp is more important (see modern superbikes: High bhp for their size, and super quick, but not great for caravanning)

Answer 5

Depends on what you want the car to do.
Torque is related to total power, ie faster excelleration
Horsepower (HP) is related to speed. ie faster top end
For performance both would rely on your gear ratio's, and horsepower is related to torque.

Horsepower can also be misleading. Is one talking about the HP at the crankshaft or at the wheels? One can have 400 HP at the crank and only be putting 250hp to the ground due to the gearing and the type of drivetrain. Or one could have 400hp at the crank and be putting 350hp to the ground.
Small engines with turbo's have whopping HP values and go fast, while some big block American steel has whopping Torque values and excellerate like a bullet.
And last but not least:
There is no replacement for displacement!

Happy Holidays

Answer 6

bhp because of the gear range. It's better for high speed
PS it depends on your gender. Women want more power than torque ! haha

Answer 7

It all boils down to torque. Torque is the power .

Answer 8

torque for towing/pulling power but bhp for speed.

Answer 9

You'll find out real quick if you're lacking torque if you fill your car with a bunch fat people like myself.

Answer 10

BHP determines your top speed as it is the power required to stop a car when the brakes are applied.
Happy Christmas