Torque and horsepower are both specifications that affect an automobile's performance. Torque directly influences a vehicle's acceleration while horsepower ratings correlate to a higher top-end speed. Reading torque specifications is relatively simple and can be completed in a number of steps.
Open the vehicle's owner manual. The table of contents will help guide you to the section where you can read and understand torque specifications.
Look at the torque specifications. Torque is defined as the ability of the engine to apply a twisting force and it is expressed in pound-feet. As torque increases the engine's ability to produce power and acceleration also increases.
Look at the RPM value. RPM stands for revolutions per minute, and it will indicate the point at which the engine can produce the maximum amount of torque. For example if the specifications of a vehicle are 250 lb.-feet at 2,000 RPM this indicates that the engine can produce 250 lb.-feet of torque when the engine spins at 2,000 revolutions per minute.
Look at the horsepower rating. Horsepower is measured in units called HP. Horsepower and torque both work together to propel a vehicle at high speeds. Torque provides for rapid acceleration while horsepower will help the vehicle achieve a higher maximum speed.
