In laymans terms what the difference between Torque and Brake Horse Power actually is? Is it better to have a higher Torque or BHP?
2007-02-19 01:31:21 · 7 answers · asked by ? 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
Torque is the amount of 'twisting' force the engine generates, usually measured in pounds per foot, or newton metres. The easiest way to feel its effect is to accelerate from a low speed (say 30-40mph) in top gear. If the car picks up speed quickly, then it has good torque, like a modern turbo Diesel or a big petrol engine, like a V8. High torque makes for easier driving, with fewer downshifts if you slow down. BHP is simply the maximum power the engine produces at full speed. An F1 car has masses of BHP, but not much torque, so it runs at full speed most of the time. Hope that helps, I was starting to confuse myself there!!
2007-02-19 10:00:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
To put it in very simple terms, Torque is the actual work done by the engine, power is simply a derivation torque divided by revs (or rather, engine revs multiplied by gearbox reduction ratio).
BHP is the same as HP, it just differs in that it is measured at a different point. HP must be measured at the engines flywheel, BHP is measured further down the transmission line and takes into account the losses incurred through the drivetrain.
Cars with high BHP but low torque (such as Honda's VTEC engine) have to use close ratio boxes as they don't have very good torque curves, which is primarily why Honda's VTEC units' have very high rev limits. You can compensate for torque by having a closer ration box and a broader rev range.
Diesels on the other hand hae low revs but hight torque, so can pretty much drive and accelerate in any gear they choose. The problem is the reverse, because of the narrower rev range, gearboxes have to have wide ratio items.
The reality of that is that a close ration box is desirable for performance applications as it keeps the engine in its peak power band, this is particularly nessecitated for turbocharged cars and high revving engines where keeping the revs up is essential for optimum speed.
2007-02-19 10:08:41 · answer #2 · answered by Steven N 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
BHP is the amount of energy put out by the engine. Torque is the amount of force. A high torque engine (like the Brabus Merc) will spin its wheels because the amount of the amount of twisting force put out by the engine. The BHP provides the ultimate top speed. A good balance between the two is best, as demonstrated on TG last night. That Merc was a nightmare to drive.
2007-02-19 09:41:59 · answer #3 · answered by jezza 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I didn't see it but bhp is top end power over all power if you like, it accrues at one point in the rev range and Torque is power through the rev range of the engine. IE having a wide torque band having high power output say from 2500 rpm to 6,000 rpm. Diesels tend to have a wide torque band
2007-02-19 09:43:31 · answer #4 · answered by biffo 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Torque is the turning force generated by the engine, and power is a measurement of how quick the torque is made.
Big trucks have big engines which make a lot of torque at low revs, and motorbikes have small engines that make a lot of power at high revs.
2007-02-19 13:36:30 · answer #5 · answered by Bandit600 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
torque is the turning force in the wheels bhp is the power at the wheels and it depends what you want your car to do
2007-02-19 09:38:42 · answer #6 · answered by Damio 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No sorry don't drive and I dont't have a clue - did enjoy the show though
2007-02-19 09:40:08 · answer #7 · answered by gaviscon 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋