Re: S6 vs. Volvo 850 Turbo R (was Re: ipd)

["Arun Rao" <rao@quattro>]

On Aug 28, 10:42am, Steve Powers wrote:
> Subject: Re: S6 vs. Volvo 850 Turbo R (was Re: ipd)
> Peter asks:
>
> > But isn't the max torque on the 20v turbo engines achieved with some
> > sort of loading up of the engine to get it at 1950rpm? It sure doesn't
> > feel like 227ft. lbs. at 1950 when I accelerate from a dead stop.
>
> next time you're in downtown Seattle, try this.
>
> Turn the corner onto a steep uphill street. You should be in first,
> possibly second gear. Take your foot off of the gas and feel the
> motor load up as it climbs the hill. That's torque which carries you
> up the hill, not horsepower.


	Yes, there's certainly no problem with climbing hills of any
	kind, but Peter's point is valid: the engine's quite torque
	deficient before the boost-gauge reads 1.3+ (I heard they
	did away with the boost gauge on the S4 -- does the S6 have it?).
	Chances are that a normally-aspirated 100 (for example) would
	probably make it up the slope in first gear at idle just fine, too.

	Actually, if you try the test in *third* gear, it's even more
	interesting. If you stay on the gas for several agonizing seconds
	while the engine struggles and lugs (not nice sounds!), it *will*
	eventually make its peak torque rating at the specified rpm and
	then proceed with alacrity up the slope.

	I'm pretty sure the Volvo 850 turbo would behave quite similarly.

	-Arun


--
Arun Rao
Pixar Animation Studios
Pt. Richmond, CA 94804
(510) 215-3526