Quote:
Originally Posted by needforspeed
Chris - I don't entirely agree with this, because you are ignoring the multiplication effect of gearing. This statement would only apply for vehicle with a single gear.
A cars acceleration will be greatest when torque at the wheels is greatest.
You can't understand relative performance without looking at gearing because this is fundamental to wheel torque.
This is explained really well in the 'complex example' given here:
http://craig.backfire.ca/pages/autos/horsepower |
I understand what you are saying about gearing, but in any particular gear that you happen to be in, the rate of acceleration will be greatest at the engines maximum torque figure. Thats's not to say that that if you were in a different gear your acceleration rate may again be higher. I think the thing about the diesels is the fact that you are allways very close to that maximum torque fiqure in every day driving, obviously the auto box and torque converter sees to that.
Btw the engine also produces its best specific fuel consumption (gms/bhp) at the maximum torque figure.
Regards
Chris
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Previously: 2007 335D MSport E90 Le Mans Blue, 2004 330D A Sport Silver Grey, 2002 330D A Sport Saphire Black, 2001 320D SE Touring Titanium Silver, 1998 M3 Evo Techno Violet, 1996 328i Sport Montreal Blue, 1994 325i Coupe Red, 1989 325i Sport 2 door Dolphin Grey,1986 325i SE 4 door Lachs