Optimal Shift Points

wolf370z

Lately I've been doing as much research as possible trying to figure out the theoretical side of the relationship between torque, horsepower, and rpms. As most of you already know, horsepower isn't a real force. It's a number that is calculated with a formula:

horsepower = (T*rpm)/5252

Essentially when your car is at 5,252 rpms your horsepower and torque numbers are identical. We all know torque is an actual force generated by the engine. Now torque is what really gets you to the end of a 1/4 mile in the fastest way possible. More torque = quicker 1/4 mile. Now the other question is what is the point of horsepower.

Since it has no actual real world use then why does everyone talk about how their car has for instance 370whp but in actuality they only make like 274 ft lbs of torque. It's misleading to rate things in horsepower so what's the point? Bragging rights?

So at last that brings us to the really important question. If you're trying to go down the 1320' as soon as possible do you shift at the point when your torque starts to drop off so you can shift back into the beginning of your "peak torque range" or do you shift at your peak horsepower?

Thanks.

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