Re: 4wd Mechanics

[glen.powell@smc.com]

  Horsepower = torque x RPM. What this means in the
  real world is that an engine might develop say X
  torque. If said engine produces X torque over a
  certain RPM range then HP is highest at the top
  end of said RPM range, BUT, acceleration is no
  better at the top of the range Vs the bottom, in
  spite of the fact that the HP number is larger at
  the top of said RPM range. So, the same rate
  of acceleration is acheived at any point in the
  RPM range where torque remains the same.
  Since HP = torque x RPM, sacrifices in torque
  to achieve a higher peak HP number for marketing
  purposes (engineering for specmanship) will not
  guarantee faster acceleration and higher performance,
  but certainly make for good ad copy for the uninformed.
  High torque at usable RPM is what you want for good
  performance. Don't get carried away by the big
  HP numbers hype.  An engine with pitiful torque but
  capable of VERY HIGH RPM could produce an
  impressive HP number but be a total slug when
  trying to accelerate the mass of a real car.Torque
  moves the car, not HP. Final drive ratios, transmission
  ratios, the number of gears and tire size all conspire to
  greatly complicate the overall system.

  NJFA,

  -glen