If that theory is true (in real circumstances), then a 385hp 6.7L Cummins diesel shouldn't spank a 381hp Toyota Tundra when both are tested 0-60 towing a 5740# boat. But it did. Must be the advantage the turbo offers the Cummins, since the test was conducted in Colorado. The Cummins took 15 or 16 seconds, and the Tundra took 19+.I saw the comparison on "The fast lane truck" YouTube channel. They also test the new 385hp/850tq Cummins towing a big load up to the Eisenhower tunnel, but so far, they have nothing to compare it to. Cool channel though.Tundra w/boat 0-60Ram 3500 w/boatTuned Duramax w/aftermarket intake & exhaust w/boat2013 Ram 3500 with 17000# trailer up Eisenhower tunnel gradeVideo

In the high altitude of Colorado the normally aspirated Toyota won't be making it's rated HP. The turbo charged Cummins will.There's more to "drag racing with trailers" than just HP. Torque, RPM, torque curve, gearing, etc. all come into play.

Horsepower is what a race car needs....Torque is what the truck that hauls the race car has!!!!

As a former drag racer hp is what gets you going, torque is what throws you across the line.

Horsepower is horsepower is something someone who doesn't understand what they are talking about says. Lots of other factors. Torque, gearing, transmission ratios, weight, aerodynamics, etc.

ib516 wrote:If that theory is true (in real circumstances), That theory is only true when....all other things are equal. And they are usually not. Especially when comparing different brands.

Horsepower is horsepower? | Good Sam Community

360 Replies

adayjk
Explorer
Aug 21, 2013
Torque and HP are related and can never exist at any non-zero RPM without the other. Ultimately the diesel twists the shafts attached to the tires with more force longer. In this case it is enoungh to make up for the other differences by far (weight and aero).

http://www.epi-eng.com/piston_engine_technology/power_and_torque.htm
rightyouareken
Explorer
Aug 21, 2013
Not only that, but horsepower is mathematically calculated from torque and rpm. The calculation is:

Horsepower = (torque * rpm) / 5252
wnjj
Explorer II
Aug 21, 2013
The HP rating is only a peak rating. The amount of HP you get to the ground from a dead stop and through all the gears is what matters. It's is why high torque motors pull hard. They produce relatively high HP throughout their operating RPM range.

It's all about actual delivered HP.
Water-Bug
Explorer II
Aug 21, 2013
Actually, horsepower and torque vary across an engines rpm range. That is why both are charted on torque/horsepower curves. The advertised horsepower and torque are the peaks on the curve. In general, an engine with a flat curve will out perform an engine of the same horsepower/torque that has peaked curves. Diesels typically develop their max horsepower and torque at lower rpm than gasoline engines. That's what makes diesels better tow vehicles.
tgreening
Explorer
Aug 21, 2013
iawoody2 wrote:
As a former drag racer hp is what gets you going, torque is what throws you across the line.

I always heard it pretty much the other way round.

"Torque makes you go. HP makes you go fast."

In any case, the age old argument, with proponents of each side claiming the other is full of beans and blah blah blahhhh.
Vulcaneer
Explorer
Aug 21, 2013
ib516 wrote:
If that theory is true (in real circumstances),

That theory is only true when....all other things are equal. And they are usually not. Especially when comparing different brands.
rightyouareken
Explorer
Aug 21, 2013
Horsepower is horsepower is something someone who doesn't understand what they are talking about says.

Lots of other factors. Torque, gearing, transmission ratios, weight, aerodynamics, etc.
iawoody2
Explorer
Aug 21, 2013
As a former drag racer hp is what gets you going, torque is what throws you across the line.
mguay
Explorer
Aug 21, 2013
Horsepower is what a race car needs....Torque is what the truck that hauls the race car has!!!!
KD4UPL
Explorer II
Aug 21, 2013
In the high altitude of Colorado the normally aspirated Toyota won't be making it's rated HP. The turbo charged Cummins will.
There's more to "drag racing with trailers" than just HP. Torque, RPM, torque curve, gearing, etc. all come into play.

Forum Discussion

Horsepower is horsepower?

360 Replies

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Enough Horsepower?

DP Horsepower

F53 Horsepower rating

Torque vs. Horsepower

Lack of Horsepower