[QUOTE=pfcs;277095]
I took physics a long time ago, but force=mass x accelleration (F=MA) still applies.
Or A= F/M. The greater the force, the greater the acceleration. In any gear, the force is maximized at the torque peak of the engine...QUOTE]

You make a very, very good arguement. I've actually doubted my self a bit since we started this... However, every time I review it I come back to the same conclusion.

You are right about Force, but like you say, it's not so simple...


More food for thought:

-If torque is all that matters, than why are we so worried about hp?
-why do we measure an engine's performance (it's ability to accelerate the vehicle) in horsepower??
-ever ride a 600cc sport bike? it makes very little torque, but at 16000 RPM it makes alot of horsepower and accelerates like a bat out of hell!!!
-ask a good engine builder or dyno guy where the peak acceleration is... trust me the only reason they car about torque is because when you put some rpm into the equation you get horsepower and that is what makes the car go!




good debate, though we definitely hijacked this thread...