Came across this today and found it interesting - sums up very well the
trap we all fall into when discussing engine output....the 'I've got
bigger numbers than you' syndrome. Why Nissan engines *feel* better
than Honda engines....torque, baby, torque!
"A long (er) stroke engine tends to produce more torque, (torque is what
directly affects the rate of acceleration), and over a larger RPM range.
What this means to you is the car will be easier to drive.
A good example of the difference torque makes is the current Honda S2000
vs. a 98-00 BMW Z3 //M Roadster/Coupe. Both the S2000 and the //M
Roadster/Coupes generate 240 hp and are within 200 lbs. of each other in
total weight. However, the S2000 produces about 150-160 ft-lbs. of
torque, while the BMW's have nearly 240 ft-lbs. The 0-60 times and 1/4
mile times are fairly close, with the BMW's taking the lead. Yes, the
S2000 will go 0-60 in less than 6 seconds (5.9), but you have to rev the
engine to nearly 9000-rpm and drop the clutch. A more reasonable (daily
driven, real world) launch at say 4000 rpm will put 0-60 in the high 6
to low 7 second range. Now, the BMW's can be coaxed to near 5.0 seconds
0-60 by using a high-rev launch, but the average person can almost
always produce a sub 6-second time with the same 4000 rpm launch . It's
a function of the extra torque, and that it's available lower in the
powerband. The rate of acceleration is greater. These are two extreme
examples to show you that 240 hp is not equal to 240 hp.... peak
horsepower ratings sell magazines, torque wins races."
/// datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net mailing list
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