horsepower vs torque?

horsepower and torque are interchangeable to a certain degree, by simply changing wheel sizes...

for instance, you have 15inch wheels running 185/55's keeping the same 15's and fitting 70 series tyres will lower your blast accelleration, but raise your top end speed (it actually lowers the revs)

putting 50 series tyres will improve your accelleration, but lower the top end, and drink fuel like its going out of fashion...

most cars cannot be altered too much... but, fitting an electric supercharger and chipping the ECU will work... but, then you are obligated to tell the insurance company.. who will raise your premiums, if theyll insure it at all...

note; ive got a volvo V70tdi. i run two sets of tyres.. in th winter im on 205/65 16's... in the summer i change them back to 195/55 15's...

the physics answer = Torque is a measurement of twisting force. It's an "instantaneous" measurement. Horsepower is a measurement of work, or a force applied over time.

In practical terms, Horsepower is a calculation using torque and engine rpms.

to really over simplify it, HP tells you how fast the car can run a 1/4 mile ( assuming it's geared right). Torque is what you feel in the seat of your pants when you hit the gas.

Here's something I read in a forum.

"horsepower is what gets you up to speed, but torque digs holes in the dirt"

Basically, Horsepower=vehicles top attainable speed, while torque = how fast you can get there.

well torgque gets u off the starting line with your neck snapped back into the seat and short tubed headers helps alot and horsepower is more for the long distance and passing at mid range rpms. Horsepower is mainly thru performance intake manifolds, cold air inductions,performance chips, and mass air flow sensors with a bigger trottle body and sensors. and so so.....

horsepower= maximum ability (nowadays cars can go upto 200 kms/hour

Torque= how fast it can attain a particular speed...(there are cars available which can reach 0-60 kms/hour within 3 secs)

horse power is an engines ability top do work. torque is its ability to twist.

that depends on your car! is it japanese? is it american? is it german? if its japanese you'll definitely need torque if its an american muscle you'll need horsepower and if its german you'll need torque