The internet has been crafting explainer videos and quippy analogies about how to explain the difference between an engine’s horsepower and torque figures. According to Jason Fenske of Engineering Explained you’re still just not getting it. You’ve likely heard the explanation “horsepower is how fast you hit the wall, and torque is how far you drag the wall with you.” I’ve been around cars a long time, and I’ve heard it a bunch. Nah dude, SCIENCE.
Fenske is doing a yeoman’s job of attempting to teach the layman about the science of cars. It’s difficult to beat that information into our tiny little brains, but little by little it’s happening. This time he’s breaking down the science behind vehicle torque figures, what they mean, and how they effect our driving experience.
In the video, you’ll see the difference between power, torque, power-to-weight ratios, and torque-to-weight ratios. It’s a short video with some valuable information held within, so click that big red play button and learn a thing or two about torque.