I am stumped on a issue I've been thinking about. (this does apply to 2 particular motors)
but let's keep this hypothetical.

There are 2 motors one has 125 hp and one has 140 hp. Let's say the both have the same 140 lb-ft torque. It would seem to me they both would accelerate the same.

Here's the question:
Would the difference be, the 140 hp motor would have a higher top speed, or is there a difference in the launch as well? What would be the performance difference?

 

im assuming you mean the TQ curve is the same on the 2 motors because some motors have a torque spike and some a nice flat curve but same peek #'s. the higher HP car will have an advantage as it gets in the higher gears.

 

Not sure how the curves compair as I haven't seen a dyno chart.
But your response makes sense. I thought more HP would have some advantage at the top end.

 

it depends on alot of factors though mostly torque has to do with weight if all the varibles would be the same as of weight then it comes down to hp which of coruse the 140 hp engine would win correct me if im wrong?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by typhoon &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Here's the question:
Would the difference be, the 140 hp motor would have a higher top speed, or is there a difference in the launch as well? What would be the performance difference?</TD></TR></TABLE>

The 140hp would accelerate faster, and have a higher top speed....if it's done right.

Since it has a higher hp it can use shorter gearing, which means more torque at the wheels. If the gearing is the same, then the 140hp can stay in each gear longer because it has a higher redline.

Top speed....that depends on gearing and whether the top speed is drag or redline limited. But, if done right the 140hp would have a higher top speed for the same reasons that it would have faster acceleration.