Car enthusiasts are well aware of the concept of engine power and that it is measured in “horsepower” (hp or simply “horses” and even “mares”). They understand perfectly well that 100 horses are great for a small hatchback, but of course will be not enough for something larger and heavier, for example, a sedan or SUV. Well, 600 horses are certainly too much for any car.
The main indicator of an engine is power. Power shows how powerful the engine is. But power, or rather the power reserve of the engine directly depends on the rpm. When the engine speed is 6,000, i.e. at average, a modern engine will produce the greatest power, but we do not drive around the city at such rpm. For city driving, about 3,000 rpm on our tachometer is quite enough. So, if our car’s engine produces approximately 100 horsepower at its maximum output, and if we drive around town at medium revs, we’ll have 50 horsepower in reserve.
Do any motorists know what kind of “beast” engine torque is and how it’s measured?
Engine torque is measured in “newton meters” (Nm). How much is 100 Nm? Is it good or bad, too little or too much? And how do we understand the phrase that the engine has as much as 200 Nm at just 1,750 rpm. So, what kind of torque is this?
Let’s say we need to overtake someone, 50 horsepower is no longer enough for us, and we need all 100 horsepower. Our engine can only gradually gain the missing “horses.” From 3,000 rpm, our engine will rev to 4,000, increasing horsepower by about 20, bringing our total to 70 horsepower. We then rev to 5,000 rpm, bringing our total to 90 horsepower. Therefore, to reach our 100 horsepower rating, as specified by the specifications, we need to rev at 6,000 rpm.
In this example, torque comes into play, concentrating all of our engine’s horsepower into a single “horsepower herd.” The speed at which the engine revs up is directly proportional to its torque. The greater the torque, the faster the engine’s power is concentrated into a single force vector, and as a result, your car’s acceleration will increase significantly.
At what rpm does the engine develop full torque? Let’s assume that maximum torque is produced at 4,000 rpm; this is the value to which the engine must be revved to achieve maximum acceleration. The engine will have to accelerate to 4,000 rpm from 2,000 rpm, i.e., from the rpm maintained during normal driving. The engine needs time for this, time that is sometimes in short supply and which is so necessary when overtaking.
The picture changes if the engine produces maximum torque at 2,000 rpm. In this case, you just need to press the gas pedal and the car will accelerate. Precious time won’t be wasted revving the engine, and the car will easily accelerate.
Torque also directly depends on engine displacement. Small cars, as a result, have less torque. For example, in a Zhiguli with an engine displacement of 1.5 liters or less, we certainly won’t get good torque. And you’ll have to frequently downshift to artificially maintain high rpm. Otherwise, the engine won’t, as they say, “pull.”
Conclusion: Maximum engine torque should be at low rpm. It turns out that at just 1,750 rpm, the engine develops a maximum of 200 Nm. The emphasis is placed on low rpm, at which such torque is developed. This parameter is called the engine’s “traction.”
Our experienced technicians will always tell you and show you everything about the engine’s structure. Our auto repair shop offers excellent engine repair and diagnostics at excellent prices. Contact us, call us, and make an appointment! We will be glad to see you!
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VEBER-AUTO Car Service
194044, St. Petersburg
Neyshlotsky Lane, Building 5, Block 3
District: Vyborgsky
Metro: Vyborgskaya – 800 m.
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Seven days a week, from 9:00 to 21:00.
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sto@veberauto.ru
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8 (812) 321-00-00
