Mazda cars are legendary for their performance and the fun their owners invariably have behind the wheel. That raises a question, however: is their secret their torque or their horsepower? Your Mazda dealer knows the answer, which might not be what you expect.
Horsepower Explained
Horsepower is one of the first specs we see when we’re introduced to a new car—and for a good reason. It gets its name from the working ability of a horse, and though the measurement is a little outdated, the meaning behind it is not. Essentially, horsepower is the way power is measured in a specific unit.
It is a quantifiable way to refer to engines’ and motors’ capacities. One single horsepower unit is equivalent to about 550 foot-pounds per second.
Torque Explained
The other common term for measuring a car’s power is torque. While it might seem like torque and horsepower are very similar on the surface, since they both account for the vehicle’s power, they represent different things. Torque measures rotational force, specifically, the quantifiable amount of energy applied to rotating something (like your tires) on its axis.
Which Matters More?
The answer is “Both.” While horsepower is essential to speed, torque transmits engine output to the road surface. Ideally, you want a proper balance of both, which you’ll find in a car like the MAZDA MX-5 Miata.
Learn About MAZDA Power Today
These are just a few of the essential terms you’ll want to learn about when it comes to the new vehicle purchasing process, and Scott Mazda is here to help. Find a powerful and exciting new Mazda vehicle, and explore top auto manufacturing terms and specs at our dealership today.
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