With everything else being equal, 800# of torque will out pull 500# of torque every single time.
Cummins used to offer the ISB rated at 300HP/600Torque. They also offered the ISC rated at 300HP/950Torque. Which do you think pulled harder?
Torque just seems to confuse people. Torque without rpm is useless and torque with rpm is power. Like you mentioned: my example of the lower torque engine putting more torque to the rear axle wasn't fair because the lower torque engine was more powerful.....that is the point power is what matters.
The peak torque figure in conjunction with rpm (which equates to power) and peak Hp describe an engine's pulling and driving characteristics.
