What is Torque in Cars?

2023 Maserati Ghibli parked under overpass
 

The most common measures of engine output are horsepower and torque. While most Paradise Valley-area drivers are fairly well acquainted with horsepower, torque is often misunderstood. In this guide from the service team at Scottsdale Maserati, we’ll take a close look at:

 

 

  • What is torque in cars?
  • What is torque measured in?
  • What does torque mean?

We think you’ll find that the torque definition for cars is easy to understand. If you have further questions, feel free to contact our service center.

Torque: Car Definition

What is torque in cars? Torque is the twisting force that’s generated when an engine is operating at full power. The pistons within an engine create torque as they move back and forth on the crankshaft. The torque is then delivered to the car’s wheels via the drivetrain and transmission.

What is Torque Measured In?

Torque is a twisting force that speaks to the engine’s rotational force and measures how much of that twisting force is available when an engine exerts itself. What is torque measured in? Torque is typically measured in pounds-feet (lbs-ft). The average torque generated by today’s cars and trucks can range from 100 to 400 lb-ft.

What Does Torque Mean?

Torque output is a result of many variables, including the size of the engine, and how it is designed to operate. What does torque mean? The amount of torque that a vehicle produces directly affects its acceleration and towing power. A higher torque output is especially desirable if you plan on doing some heavy towing or climbing steep grades in and around Chandler and Paradise Valley. A higher amount of torque can also deliver faster acceleration from low revs in a high gear.

Horsepower vs. Torque

What is torque in cars? As explained above, torque measures the rotational force of the crankshaft within your car’s engine. What is horsepower in cars? Horsepower measures the overall engine performance. Some other things to take note of when looking at horsepower vs. torque include:

  • Performance: Both horsepower and torque affect the speed of a vehicle, but for the best possible driving experience you want to have a solid balance between the two.
  • Fuel-Efficiency: A car with high horsepower burns fuel more quickly, while vehicles with more low-end torque will burn fuel at a slower rate.

Learn More About Torque & Engine Performance from Scottsdale Maserati!

Now that you’ve found out about what the torque definition is in cars, head on down to Scottsdale Maserati to learn about the torque ratings of the vehicles in our new Maserati inventory. We think you’ll find that the performance capabilities of the world-class vehicles in the Maserati lineup are impressive. If you’d like to experience Maserati performance for yourself, contact us to schedule a test drive in Phoenix today!

 

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