Ok. What would be the best way to compare two cars if you just had the specs and could not physically race them? Should I like at Horsepower? Torque? The ratio of horsepower/pounds?

How would you compare two cars using their specs only, assuming that both are completely stock?

drsues02

 

You would really need to use all 3: HP, weight, and torque.

If HP equal but weight different, higher HP should win.
If HP, weight equal but torque different, the torqier one would win.

Knowing the torque will help one to derive a rough power curve...torquier cars make more low-mid range HP due to their higher torque.

Anyway,
I'd go by weight and HP first, and then torque if I can't mathematically conclude a winner based on the first 2 criteria.

 

Don't forget gearing. It can throw everything off.

 

I found this website helpful when I wanted to find out which was more important, Horsepower or Torque.
http://www.g-speed.com/pbh/torque-and-hp.html

General Idea: Horsepower is a number derived from torque.

Weight plays an important factor in any form of racing, along with the suspension.

 

just race....seriously. there are two many variable to figure it out. hp, torque, weight, gearing, skill, traction, condition of car, if anyone screws up.

the only real way to find out is race, even then, its not always constant.


too many variables..

 

I agree that it does involve many variables...

but if you do have the information, I believe you have an advantage over your oponent.

 

to make matters worse...coeficient of drag ) for example, the honda insight car hit 150mph with only 120 hp, whereas a mustang needs like 392 just because the CD of the insight is so much less than the mustang.