Why do F1 car have high horsepower rather than torque?

In summary, the conversation discusses the analogy of high torque cars being compared to bodybuilders and high horsepower cars being compared to sprint runners. The idea is that both types of vehicles have their strengths and weaknesses, just like bodybuilders and sprint runners. However, when it comes to riding a bicycle at a certain speed, it is argued that power is what ultimately matters and determines the winner. Gearing can exchange torque for rotational speed, but power remains constant. This topic has been discussed multiple times on the Physics Forums website.
  • #1
AFS29
1
0
I've heard the analogy that a high torque car is like a bodybuilder, it is powerful but slow.
And a high horsepower car is like a sprint runner, it runs fast, but not as powerful.

Considering other factors constant.
if each tries to ride a bicycle to a certain speed,
and the runner is given a low gear ratio, while the bodybuilder is given a high gear ratio.
Wouldn't they both perform similarly?
 
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  • #2
AFS29 said:
Considering other factors constant.
if each tries to ride a bicycle to a certain speed,
and the runner is given a low gear ratio, while the bodybuilder is given a high gear ratio.
Wouldn't they both perform similarly?
Power is what matters. Power is the rate of doing work. The rider with the most power will win.

Power = Torque*rotational velocity
In SI units
Watts = Newton metres * radians/second (=joules/second)

Gears, or any other mechanical advantage, can exchange torque for rotational speed or vice versa but power remains constant.
A cyclist with adequate gearing could produce more torque than a Veyron, but the cyclist still only produces the same pitiful power output he always did.

This topic has been discussed here at PF more than once, a search will find more info.
 

1. Why do F1 cars have high horsepower?

F1 cars have high horsepower because they are designed for speed and acceleration. The high horsepower allows these cars to reach top speeds of over 200 miles per hour in a matter of seconds.

2. What is the advantage of high horsepower in F1 cars?

The advantage of high horsepower in F1 cars is that it allows them to reach extremely high speeds and accelerate quickly. This is necessary for F1 races, which are short and require fast speeds to overtake other cars.

3. How does high horsepower affect the performance of F1 cars?

High horsepower significantly impacts the performance of F1 cars. The high power-to-weight ratio of these cars allows them to achieve faster speeds and better acceleration, making them more competitive on the track.

4. Why is torque less important in F1 cars compared to horsepower?

In F1 racing, speed and acceleration are crucial, and horsepower is a better measure of these factors than torque. Torque is more important in vehicles that require a lot of pulling power, such as trucks, but in F1 cars, horsepower takes precedence.

5. How do F1 cars achieve such high horsepower?

F1 cars achieve high horsepower through the use of advanced and lightweight engines, aerodynamic designs, and technology such as turbocharging and hybrid systems. The engines used in F1 cars are also highly tuned and can rev up to 15,000 RPM, contributing to the high horsepower output.

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