diffenence between horsepower and torque?

Answer 1

torque is on the low end hp is on the upper end. the ability to start a load vs the ability to keep the load moving.

Answer 2

Best way to describe torque is sustained energy. Two motors can have the same horsepower like a 350 CI and a 454 CI engine were rated at 200 HP but the smaller 350 has a lighter crankshaft and smaller pistons and connecting rods and therefore there is less actual weight in motion.

Take an in-line six diesel tractor/trailer (18 wheeler). They are also rated at 200 plus horsepower yet look at the dimensions of the pistons and crankshaft. When you get a crankshaft that big moving (red line is 2,000 RPM's in a diesel) you have a significant mass in motion and that means you have the ability to maintain a specific speed without your load getting the upper hand and pulling you backwards.

Similarly, you take a main battle tank that weighs 60-80 tons and it has a relatively small turbine engine. Don't know the horsepower on one but they turn at 13-15,000 RPM's. So, you take something that has an extreme horsepower but you get the torque from the very high turbine RPM's turning the relatively light crankshaft verses a low RPM diesel with a very heavy and huge crankshaft/engine.

Answer 3

Torque gives you off the line performance horsepower gives the ability to maintain speed and also high speed.

Answer 4

Torque is twisting motion measured in foot/pounds. Horesepower is work done over time

Answer 5

Lets ask Steve, he knows everything.

http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mhorsepower.html

Answer 6

http://webster.com/dictionary/horsepower
http://webster.com/dictionary/torque

Answer 7

The "WIN" light!