What is the difference between torque and horsepower?

Great question! Torque and horsepower are both important measurements that describe an engine’s performance, but they represent different aspects of how power is delivered to your car. **Torque** is a measure of rotational force — essentially, how much twisting force the engine produces. Think of torque as the engine’s ability to do work, especially at low speeds. It’s what gets your car moving from a stop and helps with acceleration, towing, and climbing hills. Higher torque means the engine can deliver more immediate power to the wheels, which often translates to stronger pulling power and better responsiveness at lower RPMs (revolutions per minute). **Horsepower**, on the other hand, is a measure of how quickly work is done — it reflects the engine’s power output over time. Horsepower takes into account both the torque and the engine speed (RPM). It essentially represents how fast the engine can sustain that twisting force. Higher horsepower means the car can achieve higher speeds and better performance at high RPMs. It’s often associated with the vehicle’s top speed and overall ability to maintain power during extended acceleration. In practical driving terms: - Torque gives you that initial "punch" or grunt when you press the accelerator, especially noticeable at lower speeds or when hauling heavy loads. - Horsepower influences how the car performs at higher speeds and how quickly it can continue accelerating. For example, a diesel truck with high torque but moderate horsepower excels at towing heavy trailers, while a sports car with high horsepower is built for rapid acceleration and high-speed performance. So, both are important — torque for immediate power and pulling ability, horsepower for sustained speed and acceleration. Understanding both helps you get a clearer picture of a vehicle’s performance characteristics.