Torque and horsepower are dependent upon one another. Mechanical work is defined as force times displacement (distance) on a vehicle wheel (rotational system) Work becomes torque times angular displacement. In addition, mechanical power is defined as force times velocity and hence force times angular velocity. As a result power is the time derivative of work meaning power (hp) is the rate in which work (torque) is changing. Thanks to Sir Isaac Newton we get F = m * a, which means both (horse)power and acceleration are torque dependent. This would mean (horse)power is rate at which your acceleration is changing (”jump”) and not acceleration.
For example, take your mountain bike to a steep hill, once you reach the top (a flat spot) put it in first or second gear and head down the hill pedaling hard but constant. What you will find is that at first you feel that you are contributing to the acceleration of the bike with your feet/legs. Once you reach a certain speed (based on gearing), however, it is almost like you are in neutral and not contributing at all. This is because you cannot provide the foot speed (angular velocity) to maintain the torque you have applied all along (horsepower).
The way to think of it is your engine’s torque accelerates your car to a given speed but at that speed the engine’s power is a measure of its ability to keep on applying the torque. My experience has proven to myself that equal torque and hp numbers seem to be the best and most enjoyable to drive. Probably no surprise that the p5 is 130 hp/139ft-lb and msp is 170hp/160 ft-lb.
Oh and twilight usually a diesel pickup weighs 5000lb+ and has a higher torque to compensate for the increased mass and potential payload. A quick search on the internet showed that in 2007 the Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson V8 Supercharged had a 0-60mph time of 5.4sec and the 2007 V12 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti posted a 0-60mph of 5.8sec. Now the F-150 weighs 5000lbs and has 11.1 lbs/hp while the Scaglietti weighs 3942lbs and has 7.3lbs/hp. So Twilight, if the Ferrari weighs 1058lbs less and has 90hp more it must be torque not horsepower (Go USA!). Always remember without data you are just another fool with an opinion and you might want to check your work equation. Specs can be found at
http://www.performancecarnews.com/Fastest-Cars-0-60.asp?Process=ShowTable
Aside, I’ve looked into the KLZE and was wondering if anyone knows whether or not you need new driveshafts or if the difference in engine width is small enough to where they could be cut down?
