The dictionary definition of torque is a turning or twisting force. In the physics world there is the more complicated definition of a moment of force and the measurement of a force's tendency to produce torsion and rotation about an axis.

Torque may also be called rotational force since it causes rotational motion. In terms of motor vehicles, torque is the force generated by an internal combustion engine which turns the car's drive shaft. For automotive applications torque is often measured in either foot-pounds (ft-lbf) or Newton-meters (N-m).

In simpler terms, for vehicles it is the force of the engine that is transferred to the driveshaft and tires. The more torque you apply to the wheel, the more readily the wheel turns, and the faster the car travels.

Torque is part of the basic specification of an automobile engine. The power output of an engine is expressed as its torque multiplied by its rotational speed.

Don't be confused with other engine parts that reference torque. For example, all automatic transmissions use a torque converter to couple the engine and transmission. Torque should not be confused with horsepower which tells you how much power the engine can produce.

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