Torque vs horsepower

Does anyone know why f1 cars make so much horsepower but have hardly any torque?

Power is really defined by: torque X RPM. So as you can see, there's only certain amount of torque that an engine is capable of making (give or take some tuning). The only really big variable here is RPM. Hence, if you increase your RPM, your power will go up. For instance, when Ferrari increased their rpm limit by 300 on their newest engine, they are basically saying that their max power just increased by that much more. That's why F-1 engine are spinning in the range of 18000+ rpm.

As stealth said Power = RPM * Torque.

So if you scramble this around you get

Torque = Power per RPm.

THis is essentially what is is.

The torque of an engine is determinded by a few things.

1. Capacity. Ie 3 or 4 litres etc. This is a constant in all F1 engines.

2. Oil Viscosity. If your oil is less viscus it means that your engine will have more torque.

3. Lightness of parts. A similar engine with lighter parts like a ighter piston, crankshaft etc will have more torque.

4. Fuel. A fuel with a higher energy output with obviously give more Torque.

So from what I have said you can see that Power is not really a great measure of an engines performance.

For instance, if you were to race a 3.5 Litre Old F1 engine with say 800 bhp and a 3.0 Litre F1 engien with 850 bhp, the car with the 3.5 litre would probabley win. THis is becasue at low RPM this engine would give better power. its only when the 3.0 litre engine gets up to high RPM that it will deliver more power.

Niall

I agree. The torque defines the characteristics of the engine and power is defined from torque. Displacement determines the maximum theoretical amount of output an engine can put out. As most ol' timers would say: nothing can beat displacement for a NA engine.

Except a big fat turbo...

Or an intercooler.

Niall

I've often heard a saying that "torque gets you to a particular speed, and horsepower keeps you there".. It may not be strictly accurate, but it can be a reminder for the less technically minded :)