Newton-Metre (Nm)

Engine torque figures in Europe are given in Nm. Wheel bolts on cars are typically tightened to around 100–140 Nm, depending on the model. In the US, torque is often given in pound-feet (lb-ft); 1 lb-ft is about 1.36 Nm. High torque at low revs makes a car feel strong without changing gear, which is why diesel and electric cars feel punchy.

One newton-metre is the torque of a force of one newton acting at a distance of one metre from the turning point.

Always use the exact torque from the manufacturer’s data, not a general figure. Do not confuse Nm with kW: torque is turning force, power is how fast work is done.