Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1998 00:53:46 -0400 From: steven T koontz <skoontznopsamspring.com> Subject: Re: Horsepower or Torque? Which is more significant?
Douglas S. Arnson wrote: > > I am soon to part with my 92 nissan maxima se with 3.0 v6 and 190 hp > and 202 ft/lb (I think) torque. > > I am considering the saab 9-5 with 178 hp v4 turbo with 207 torque at > 1800 rpm. (The v6 turbo is almost $3000 more!!) > > I have loved the responsiveness of the nissan v6 and didn't want to > settle for a lower horsepower engine in a new car. > > Isn't torque more significant in terms of performance? Just because > the saab has a lower hp engine doesn't mean it will be less > performance than I am used to...right? > > No flames, please...I am somewhat clueless on these technical items. > Thanks,DSA Well a turbo isn't going to be as reponcive as any normally aspirated car as they all have some lag.. Just can't have the throtle responce of a normally aspirated car... You also left out a major factor, the weight of each car.. That's going to make more difference that 10 HP or 5 ft lbs of torque.. It's not going to feel like the nissan though being a turbo.. + the saab is ugly IMHO.... -- steve's photography & Z car stuff skoontznopsamspring.com