Peter Firla Wrote:
> I've asked several people about the differences/similarities between
> horsepower and torque, and each time the vague response is prefaced by head
> scratching and " Well, I'm not sure but"..
>
> Both apparently refer to the ability to do a certain amount of work within a
> specific time, and they seem to max out at different RPMs, but other than
> these two sophomoric opinions, I'm stumped. Anyone really know??
>
> Peter Firla
Peter,
Horsepower and Torque ar related by this equation:
Torque * RPM
Horsepower = ----------------
5252
This, of course, requires that you know your engines' torque output.
Torque can be approximated by the following equation:
(Engine Displacement) * (mean working cylinder pressure)
Torque = --------------------------------------------------------
4Pi
Mean working cylinder pressure for your engine is close to 120 psi.
Torque is a measure of twisting force measured in pounds-feet (Lb-ft).
Horsepower came to be from the old days when horses were sometimes
used to drive well pumps. It has to do with a horse being able to
raise a certain amount of water a specified distance over some period
of time (no kidding!). This was used to measure the performance of the
horses.
In general terms, torque determines how fast you can accelerate and
horsepower determines your top speed.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Chad Jester
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Jester.c.c%wec@dialcom.tymnet.com |
'74 TR-6 (4) Bitten by the british car bug BAD. |
305/797-1544 (7-5 m-f) |
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