so, i realize hp is work ...and tq is the rotational force......... i mean which is really more important in acceleration? ad hows it REALLY worj?
Torque This is rotational force in the simplest sense. Torque rotates the wheels and translates into the linear force applied by the tires on the ground to make you move forwards. This force causes acceleration. Horsepower This is the ability to do work. In a simple sense, if you push an object for a short distance, then you are doing less work than the work done by pushing the same object with the same force over a longer distance. In cars, you can consider the RPM as distance. Hence, making a certain amount of torque at a certain RPM will make half the horsepower as making the same torque at twice that RPM. So in simple terms, you can look at horsepower as the ability to sustain torque at higher RPMS. In summary, peak torque will tell you more about low end performance and horsepower will tell you more about top end.
so basically it is the combination of both that will give you a good overall 1/4 mile because too much without the other would help only in the begining or not at all? they pretty much compliment one another right?
well, the most important thing to look at is the torque curve... peak HP and peak TQ can give you only 2 points on the torque curve if you take gear ratios and shifting out of the equation, your peformance in the 1/4th mile purely depends on the area under the torque curve that you utilize... at higher gears, the torque at the axles reduces... here's a sample torque curve through the different gears