What is Torque in Cars? A Complete Overview

When discussing car performance, you’ll often hear references to horsepower and torque. But what exactly is torque in cars, and why does it matter? Understanding automotive torque provides insight into how engines produce power.

Gaining a solid understanding of the role torque plays in overall vehicle performance helps you select and modify cars to best match your driving priorities.

What is Torque?

In automotive applications, torque is a measure of rotational force generated by the engine:

• Measured in pound-feet (lb-ft) in US customary units
• Represents the twisting force that can be exerted
• Generated by combustion turning the crankshaft
• Higher torque = greater force from the engine

Torque is the raw power output that an engine produces before interactions with the drivetrain.

How Torque Differs from Horsepower

Horsepower and torque are both important:

• Torque - The twisting force exerted
• Horsepower - The rate work can be done by the engine

Torque is a measure of force, while horsepower a measure of work over time. You need ample torque output to produce horsepower.

At a constant RPM, an engine's torque directly correlates to horsepower. But increasing RPMs do not always increase torque, as we'll see next.

Torque Curves Explained

• The torque curve shows how much torque is produced at various engine speeds (RPMs)
• Peak torque occurs below peak horsepower RPM
• When graphed, torque drops off after its peak as RPMs climb

An engine produces peak torque in its optimal operating range, often between 2000-6000 RPM depending on design.

But torque falls off at higher RPMs on a naturally aspirated engine. The torque curve helps visualize the ideal RPM operating range.

High Torque vs Low Torque Engines

• High torque engines optimize torque delivery in low/mid RPM range
• Maximizes off-the-line acceleration and towing capability
• Peak torque RPM occurs lower in power band
• Low torque engines generate peak torque higher in RPM range
• Sacrifices low end power for better high RPM output
• Better for high speed acceleration and driving performance

Diesels consistently produce the highest automotive torque thanks to combustion efficiency - peak torque occurs early at around 2000 RPM. Gasoline truck engines also prioritize low RPM torque.

Many sports car engines chase higher horsepower at the expense of torque. Their powerbands are tuned for sharper high RPM acceleration.

Torque Delivery and Drivability

How an engine delivers torque also affects drivability:

• Narrow powerbands - peaky delivery, small optimal RPM range
• Broad powerbands - flat torque curves across RPM range

A broad torque curve maintains power across more RPMs:

• Provides responsive and predictable throttle response
• Maximizes drivability and flexibility
• Reduces reliance on frequent gear shifts

The shape of the torque curve directly impacts driving experience. Broad torque enhances everyday usability.

Torque Multiplication in Transmissions

Transmissions multiply torque in lower gears:

• Higher gears = lower torque multiplication
• First gear may double or triple torque
• Allows higher torque when accelerating from standstill

This multiplied torque in lower gears improves off-the-line acceleration. The transmission offsets lower engine RPMs.

Why Torque Matters for Acceleration

Torque directly affects acceleration:

• Force (torque) pushes the vehicle forward by turning wheels
• Mass (vehicle weight) must be overcome by torque

Applying more torque to the drive wheels creates greater force to accelerate the vehicle. More torque makes it feel faster and more powerful.

Torque gets a vehicle moving from standstill. Horsepower then extends acceleration at higher speeds when torque drops off.

All-Wheel Drive Multiplies Torque

AWD multiplies torque by distributing it across more wheels:

• Applies torque to front and rear axles
• This doubles available traction and grip
• Allows transferring higher total torque to pavement

Dual axle AWD systems greatly enhance acceleration, traction, and handling - especially in slippery conditions.

Torque Vectoring for Cornering Traction

Torque vectoring individually brakes wheels to spread torque:

• Braking inside wheels in a corner distributes more torque outside
• Dramatically enhances handling and corner traction
• Allows higher cornering speeds and lateral acceleration

By actively vectoring torque left to right, the vehicle grips better and handles tighter.

Improving Torque with Engine Mods

Common DIY torque modifications include:

• Chip/remap ECU for more optimized timing and fueling
• Cold air intakes to allow more air into cylinders
• Cat-back exhaust for increased airflow out
• Lower compression ratios for forced induction

Chips, intakes, and tunes optimize air flow to safely increase torque output. But forced induction has the largest impact.

Turbocharger and Supercharger Torque

Forced induction systems increase torque by packing more air into the engine:

• Turbos use exhaust gases to spin an air compressor
• Superchargers use a belt-driven air compressor

More air means more fuel can be burned - creating big torque gains.

50-100% gains are common with forced induction. But the engine must be built to withstand the higher stress reliably.

EV Motor Torque Characteristics

Electric motors provide instant maximum torque:

• Full torque from 0 RPM
• No waiting for powerband or turbo boost
• Higher speeds don't increase torque much

The linear delivery provides rapid acceleration when needed without gear shifts. But power tapers off approaching maximum RPMs.

Torque Specs by Car Models

Here are factory torque outputs across some popular models:

Car Model	Torque (lb-ft)
Ford Mustang GT	420
BMW M3	406
Subaru WRX STI	290
Toyota Camry	203
Ford F-150	400
Dodge Challenger	295
Tesla Model 3	307

Compare specs when car shopping to evaluate power differences. Tuning potential can also be assessed from factory torque levels.

5 Key Facts About Automotive Torque

1. Torque represents rotational force generated by the engine.
2. Diesel engines consistently produce the most torque.
3. Transmissions multiply torque in lower gears.
4. A broader torque curve enhances everyday drivability.
5. More torque improves off-the-line acceleration.

Remember these core principles when assessing engine performance specs and modification options.

FAQs

Is more torque better for acceleration?

Yes, higher torque improves acceleration, especially from a standstill. Torque pushes the vehicle forward by turning the wheels.

Does low end torque affect towing capacity?

Yes, ample low RPM torque is crucial for getting heavy loads moving from standstill. Diesel trucks excel at towing thanks to high torque.

What increases torque in a car?

Engine modifications like air intake, exhaust, ECU tuning, and especially forced induction through turbos/superchargers can substantially increase torque.

Does higher RPM always mean more torque?

No, torque peaks in the optimal mid-range RPM band and then falls off at very high RPMs for naturally aspirated engines.

Do EVs make a lot of torque?

Yes, the instant power delivery of electric motors provides extremely high torque from 0 RPM. But it tapers off at higher speeds.

Applying Automotive Torque Concepts

With this comprehensive explanation of what torque is and how it impacts engine performance, you can now make informed assessments when evaluating vehicle specs.

Keep torque fundamentals like the torque curve, torque multiplication, and delivery characteristics in mind as you analyze power and acceleration.

Understanding automotive torque gives you an important metric for comparing car models, appreciating performance nuances, and guiding engine modifications. You're now fully-versed in this key measure of rotational force.

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