Cat vs Powerstroke torque curves
I drew out what I expect the Powerstroke torque curve would look like relative to a Cat C11. I think it is very interesting how these curves reveal the different pulling characteristics of ...
Forum Discussion
4x4ord wrote:ShinerBock wrote:Turtle n Peeps wrote:
Read #1 for your answer. Depending on what is important to you.
I am not sure I totally agree with that article.
I think from a technical standpoint the article is right on, however, I think sometimes people want to pay too much attention to the definitions of HP and torque and forget that when it comes to an engine, torque gives some description of power. In fact when the rpm is stated along with the torque value, such as with a drawing of a torque curve, an exact measure of power can be derived. The article does explain a bit about the importance of the engine's power curve as opposed to peak HP value. In addition it explains a bit how gear ratios come into play.
I don't think he is spot on in the article. To say that it is only horsepower that helps you up hills is false. It is a combination of both. You need torque to overcome the force pulling you back and that force working against you is constantly changing. If you don't have enough torque to do the work, then all the horsepower in the world is not going to help you.
Take a Ram 2500 6.4L Hemi and 6.7L Cummins. They both have the exact same transmission gearing with the rear end gear advantage going to the Hemi(3.73 or 4.10) versus the 3.42 of the Cummins. The Hemi has 40 hp more while the Cummins has 371 lb-ft more torque. Send both up a grade 7 hill with 14k lbs strapped to them and I guarantee the 6.7L Cummins will get to the top quicker even though the Hemi has more horsepower.
