FRED

Torque is "force times the lever arm distance". Horsepower is the ability to do a certain amount of work. Peak horsepower is usually developed at the top end of the RPM range, both gas and diesel. Peak torque is developed near the middle range of the RPMs. Large diesel engine 18 wheelers, tractors, develop between 700 and 1100 pound feet of torque at idle during clutch engagement. This is why drivers are careful when starting off from a stop, with a full load. Axles can snap very easily under high torque. The ford V10 is a real performer in a 7,500 pound pickup, and does a fair job in a 26,000 pound MH, but a diesel is made to do this kind of work.