What is Torque in Cars?

There are many ways that a manufacturer can describe a car’s performance, and you might see terms like “top speed” and “0 to 60 mph acceleration” on a spec sheet. But, what is torque in cars? Torque is often listed alongside horsepower, and while the two are similar, they are not the same. Find out what torque mean in a car and what is considered “good torque” in a car, and stop by Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich to take a few test drives in Greenwich!

What Does Torque Mean in a Car?

What is torque in cars? The torque car definition is the rotational force generated by the engine crankshaft or the twisting force that an engine is capable of generating. On average, new cars and trucks generate between 100 to 400 lb-ft of torque. And typically, you’ll see both horsepower and torque on engine specs when shopping for a vehicle around Rye.

What is Considered Good Torque in a Car?

Torque will vary from vehicle to vehicle. Smaller non-turbocharged gas engines produce less torque than turbocharged and supercharged designs. Higher levels of torque lead to faster acceleration, fewer gear changes, and better response on the Stamford roads. But determining what is considered “good torque” will vary depending on your driving wants and needs. Be sure to ask our experts at Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich if you need help choosing the right specs for your next vehicle.

Horsepower vs. Torque

We’ve gone over, “What does torque mean in a car?” So, now what’s the difference between horsepower vs. torque? Let’s get into the basics of horsepower vs. torque car definition.

1. What They Measure: Torque is determined by the rotational force of the crankshaft in the engine while horsepower is determined by how much power gets sent from the engine to the wheels.
2. How They Impact Acceleration: Torque gets the car into motion while accelerating, but horsepower keeps the car going on the New Canaan roads.
3. Towing: Torque is more important than horsepower when it comes to towing because torque helps to initiate the momentum. So if you have a boat or a camper ready for an adventure, pay attention to your car’s torque rating.
4. Vehicle Performance: Horsepower is a good measurement of the engine’s speed and power. Engines with higher horsepower ratings are usually faster and more powerful overall.
5. Fuel-Efficiency: Cars with higher horsepower burn fuel faster. On the other hand, vehicles with more low-end torque burn fuel more slowly. 

Visit Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich to Learn More 

Want to upgrade your current vehicle to a more powerful model? Contact us to get the conversation started, and learn all about your options at Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich. We’re located in Greenwich, near neighboring New Canaan, and we’re always happy to get the keys in your hand. You can even shop our Virtual Show Room or custom order a new model built to your specifications!