Torque Curve

A flat curve means strong pulling power over a wide range. Turbo engines often reach peak torque at low engine speeds. Electric motors give their peak torque from standstill. Power is calculated from torque and engine speed, so the power curve keeps rising after peak torque as long as torque falls slowly. Manufacturers publish peak values; full curves usually come from tests or tuners.

Torque is measured on a dynamometer at different speeds and plotted together with power.

Peak figures alone do not show how a car feels to drive. Tuning can change the curve and stress the drivetrain.