Re: Which has more power, Diesel or gas

Posted by Tim B from MA on July 10, 2007 at 14:11:08 from (74.8.14.194):

In Reply to: Which has more power, Diesel or gas posted by Tractor Novice on July 10, 2007 at 02:02:04:

HP = RPM X Torque. Different engines will build their max HP at different RPMs. Diesels are made to give more power at lower RPMs so they are better for lugging heavy loads. Gasoline engines give more power at higher RPMs.

Two examples:

Overall I have more HP than a 10 year old (I hope I still do anyhow:). Give me a 6-in long wratchet wrench (gasoneline engine) and give him an 18-inch wratchet wrench (deisel engine). If I can get a nut turning, I am probably going to beat him by a long shot, in terms of how long it takes to get the nut off. For that job, I have more HP of a kind that can do the job and I win. BUT ... If I can't build enough power with my short wrench to get the nut started turning off, all that "potential" HP isn't doing me any good. But for this job, the 10-year old with the long wrench can build enough power (in the form of torque) to get the nut turning. For that job, he wins.

Another example. My bosses BMW Z has more HP than my 7.3L Powerstroke, but I doubt he could pull my 5th wheel trailer with it. He'd probably be OK with it at 80 mph, but getting from 0 to 60 mph may be a problem for him; not to mention what happens when going up hills. For towing a heavy load, a diesel is generally better.

One other thing to consider. There is a lot of engineering between the engine and the wheels that contributes to the work that a machine can do. Main considerations are gearing and the weight of the machine. I have a Ford 841 - only about 45 HP, but in low gear I'd be hard pressed to put enough weight on the machine to gain enough traction to keep the wheels from turning. They just keep turning until they've buried themselves in the dirt.

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