Piano Guidance
Photo by Anna Tarazevich Pexels Logo Photo: Anna Tarazevich

Is higher RPM better or worse?

Higher revolutions per minute equate to more fuel burnt in the same amount of time and more power produced. Because of this, most consider higher RPMs racing RPMs. Running at lower RPMs equates to higher torque and thus lower horsepower, while making higher RPM power outputs less torque and higher top horsepower.

autotraining.edu - Horsepower vs. Torque Performance - Automotive Training Center
What is the nerdiest instrument?
What is the nerdiest instrument?

1. Accordion - Could there possibly be another #1? I declare accordions the geek instrument of choice. The history and complexity of the squeezebox...

Read More »
Last updated Oct 11, 2019
What is the best substitute for white vinegar?
What is the best substitute for white vinegar?

White vinegar substitute: If you need a different vinegar to substitute for white vinegar, use apple cider vinegar or malt vinegar. You could also...

Read More »
Last updated Mar 6, 2019

Horsepower vs. Torque in the Performance World

Horsepower and torque are two of the most contested performance terms in the auto realm. Today, we’re going to take a look at how they fair on the racetrack. Which factor is more important in the performance world, horsepower or torque?

Keep reading and we’ll get you up to speed!

Schedule a tour at our Exton or Warminster campus

Horsepower vs. Torque: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Horsepower and torque are all about power and where it takes place.

Torque is a raw measurement that accounts for rotational force that occurs within the engine, specifically at the crankshaft. Horsepower is a man-made calculation that measures the amount of power that occurs on a larger scale at the wheels and under the hood. Horsepower encompasses weight, distance, and time (i.e., what’s being moved, how far it’s going, and how long it takes to do so). Check out the following equation that helps put the relation between torque and horsepower into perspective:

Horsepower = (Torque x RPMs) / 5,252

Racing RPMs

What do RPMs (or engine revolutions per minute) have to do with racing? Higher revolutions per minute equate to more fuel burnt in the same amount of time and more power produced. Because of this, most consider higher RPMs racing RPMs. Running at lower RPMs equates to higher torque and thus lower horsepower, while making higher RPM power outputs less torque and higher top horsepower. In a straight line race, higher RPMs take precedence. NASCAR racecars operate at very high RPMs. That’s not to say these cars lack torque—torque, after all, is responsible for horsepower, but it does mean that the ratio composition points to smaller torque numbers and higher RPMs and thus higher horsepower.

Torque Gets You Off the Line, Horsepower Gets You Ahead

In an evenly matched race, with Racecar A touting more torque at lower RPMs and Racecar B possessing more high RPM horsepower, who would win? Racecar A will be quicker to accelerate off the line and might look as if it has the lead at the beginning. But once Racecar A shifts into second gear, it will lose its acceleratory bump. By the time Racecar A shifts into third gear, high-horsepower Racecar B will be the new leader. A hefty diesel dump truck creates huge amounts of low-end torque. You can set it side by side with an exotic sports racer designed to channel high-range RPMs and likely know which model will move faster. But so many other factors come into comparing the horsepower and torque between the two vehicles, the overall vehicle weight and the gearing setup being two major influential elements. While choosing horsepower over torque and vice versa may feel like a case of the chicken and the egg, one thing we can be sure of is that they’re both vital to performance racing. Making internal modifications and using exciting diagnostic equipment to test engines, ATC’s Hi-Performance auto students get to know the play between horsepower and torque better than most people ever will. Revved up to learn more? Check out ATC’s student resources page for more compelling automotive topics!

[hs_action id=”2199″]

More on engine technology:

Are elephant teeth made of ivory?
Are elephant teeth made of ivory?

Ivory tusks are actually massive teeth that protrude well beyond the mouths of elephants. Like our own teeth—and those of many mammals—these tusks...

Read More »
Last updated Dec 19, 2018
Where can I practice typing for free?
Where can I practice typing for free?

Learn How to Type with These Helpful Free Websites Undrey/Shutterstock.com. Typing.com. Typing Club. Typing Study. Speed Typing Online....

Read More »
Last updated Dec 21, 2018

What hours can a 17 year old work?

Young people can't work more than eight hours a day or more than 40 hours a week. Unlike adults, there is no opt out for this. If you work for two different employers on the same day, you still can't work more than a total of eight hours. In England you must be in part-time education or training until your 18th ...

directory.islington.gov.uk - Working hours for young workers 16-18 - Islington Directory

The hours young people can work are covered by UK law

The law covers:

All young workers (except those who are genuinely self-employed) - a young worker is someone who is old enough to leave school but is under 18 years old

Part-time, casual, temporary and agency workers

Apprentices and those on other training programmes, such as traineeships.

What hours can you work:

Young people can’t work more than eight hours a day or more than 40 hours a week

Unlike adults, there is no opt out for this

If you work for two different employers on the same day, you still can’t work more than a total of eight hours. In England you must be in part-time education or training until your 18th birthday In many jobs night work is not allowed between 10pm and 6am, or 11pm and 7am. Also, you are only allowed to work at night if you work in certain sectors, which include:

- The Armed Forces

- Hospitals

- Retail trade

- Hotel and catering businesses

- Bakeries

- Fisheries

- Newspaper or postal deliveries

- Work in connection with cultural, artistic, sporting or advertising activities.

What rest breaks are you I entitled to:

A rest break of 30 minutes if you are asked to work more than four and a half hours at a stretch. Rest breaks are not in addition to lunch breaks

12 uninterrupted hours off each 24 hour period in which you work

40 hours off work in each seven day period.

For more information on working hours, check out child employment, working hours or contact the ACAS Helpline on. See also The Mix and search for 'work hours'

What is after Grade 8 piano?
What is after Grade 8 piano?

If you've got to grade 8 (ABRSM or Trinity) in music theory (or in your instrument), you are now at the point where can jump ahead to diploma level...

Read More »
Last updated Jun 23, 2021
Does personality affect music taste?
Does personality affect music taste?

Numerous studies have been conducted to show that individual personality can have an effect on music preference, mostly using personality, though a...

Read More »
Last updated Jun 4, 2021
How do you become a great jazz pianist?
How do you become a great jazz pianist?

Putting Theory into Practice Pick a (simple) Jazz Standard and learn to play it in every key. Learn to play it using different chord voicings in...

Read More »
Last updated May 15, 2020
Does violin hurt your fingers?
Does violin hurt your fingers?

An important part of learning to play the violin is building violin calluses on your fingers. The reality is that the strings are rough on your...

Read More »
Last updated Nov 30, 2021