Great topic.

I like these descriptions and thought processes. Based on the mathematical relationship between torque and horsepower, I've always thought of big horsepower numbers as "the ability to continue making decent torque at high RPMs". Because given a flat torque curve, the horsepower will continue to climb. It peaks when the torque falls off.

Here's one I've always pondered, but I admit I haven't done the math to get the answer:

Q: For maximum acceleration, would you want to be at the peak of the torque curve or the horsepower curve? Would your answer change depending on the weight of the vehicle?

I think I'd want to be at the peak of the torque curve for any weight vehicle. That theory would mean that once your torque starts dropping it's time to shift, even if there's a lot of RPMs left with big horsepower numbers up at the top.

Other theories?

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D.H.

04 ML500
02 E430

Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.