458 Torque

How do you FEEL torque and what does it translate into?

When u press the pedal how do you feel higher torque and lower torque?

I am a noob when it comes to this particular matter, so I'd be glad to learn.

Thanks.

 

I think you mean "boob", now on with some more kitty photos...

 

You can see that the torque curve of the 458 Italia comes on strong at about 4,000 RPM and holds relatively even through the rest of the rev band. Even at lower RPM, say 2,500, you are still making over 200 ft.lbs of torque to the wheels which is a massive improvement over some of the earlier V8's.

You will definitely feel the torque com on strong as you approach 4,000 RPM when the car really comes into its power band. You should feel sustained torque through the mid range and a slight tapering off towards peak RPM, but not too much.

Lots of usable torque in the 458!
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LaFerrari is much better.

 

Are you sure?

http://bit.ly/MsSr2i

 

I see that, but I am asking for the exact feeling of torque, if it can be described properly..

Do you feel it as strong acceleration? Do you feel engine vibrations? Do you hear more noise?

How do you FEEL torque, when driving?

 

Easy to remember car dynamics primer.

Oversteer is when you hit the wall with the back of the car. (rear comes loose first)
Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car. (front comes loose first)
Speed is how fast you hit the wall. (self-explanatory)
Torque is how much of the wall you take with you. (think of it as "pulling power")

Maybe you could get an owner to explain what "snap oversteer" is as might be experienced
in say, a Ferrari 360.

If you are just now learning these terms, and how they play out in the real
world, you should seriously consider an entry level Ferrari like a 308 or 328, a current Ferrari
would overwhelm you in every conceivable fashion. Or, as a cheaper option, get a Fiat X1/9
which is mostly likely the best "pre-Ferrari" car to have in terms of a mid-engine car, you could
also learn how to maintain an Italian car, I can assure you of that.

I vote Coconut should get an X1/9, one less X in the world won't hurt too bad.

 

I say he gets on on these:
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I really think I will be safer in a more modern car with ESC, Traction Control, ABS and E-diff.
Thanks for explaining the terms. I knew most of them, couldn't only get a feel for the torque thing.
Understeer was somewhat known, but not as clear maybe. Just can't imagine how does the front get loose?
It just doesn't steer enough due to lack of traction, right??

 

Well...that's actually a good question.

Mid engined cars, such as V8 Ferraris, have more weight behind the driver, and the front end is lighter, and, generally speaking, looses grip in hard driving.


Aside from doing lots of reading, and then more reading, you will find that people here are much more open to questions such as the one you just asked. Discussing the dynamics of handling of a particular Ferrari is much better than, for instance, talking about your personal fantasies/wishes about a particular very expensive car. People aren't interested in reading things like that they are here to talk about Ferraris. Make sense?

Unless you have alot of money and a dealer that can service your car, a modern Ferrari is likely going to be way way out of your league, that's why I keep mentioning 308/328. There are also alot of people on this forum that think that things like traction control and computer things are, in fact, interfering with the driver/car connection, and that they ruin the pure Ferrari experience. Moreso, many people here look at the cars that were built while Enzo Ferrari was actually alive to be more consistent with what Ferraris were supposed to be. I personally prefer to do my own maintenance on my Fiats, particlary the X1/9 which is similar to a 308.

Be realistic, you will find a 308/328 much easier to buy and maintain, if you are really serious about owning Ferrari. Fantasizing openly about the most expensive Ferraris will just make people annoyed at you because people are here because of Ferraris, not your personal considerations or speculations about a car you can't realistically own. But if you actually own a Ferrari, you will be taken much more seriously. Does that make sense?

 

Torque that you feel is the twisting capability of the engine as it is transmitted through the drivetrain to the drive wheels. To the extent that the engine is making torque in excess of what is needed to overcome the forces retarding the motion of the car (rolling resistance, air resistance), the car will accelerate. So cruising down the road at a steady speed, the engine is making torque but it is exactly balanced by the forces against motion of the car. If you call for more torque by pressing on the accelerator, the additional torque will be translated into more acceleration. So in a nutshell, your sense of acceleration is a result of the engine's ability to make torque.

 

Well since you said in another thread that you have a Speciale and are in the position to make moves on LaFerrari and co.... Why do you even ask? If you were really in that position then you would have driven and felt most of these cars like the others on this forum.

 

Hell , I cant even drive my 355 NO where near the limits
A couple of times Ive had the Ass end come out, with another car next to me
I drive fairly easy now

 

Hopefully your question has been answered.
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Engine torque in itself is meaningless

with the appropriate gearing a 500Hp-200-ft-lb engine will accelerate a given car the same as a 500 Hp-400ft-lb engine.

the key differences in practice will relate to the shape of the Hp curve, practicality of gear selection, etc.

 

I see. This makes more sense now.

 

I remember reading a comment made by a Mercedes engineer/PR guy. It went something like: "people buy horsepower, but they love torque".
The meaning is that high torque motors usually translate into cars that give you a strong shove in the back when the accelerator is pushed. Think old big block high compression motors from American cars circa 1968-1970. Cars with marked lack of torque may be fun, but they fell differently. You usually have to get high in the rev range to have the car/accelerator feel like inputs are translating into changes in rate of acceleration.
Going down the highway, in general a higher torque motor will not need to be downshifted to pass someone. You just have more usable power on tap. Terminal velocity is more a function of horsepower is how it was explained to me. Diesels are in general high torque motors. And as a rule are not high revving motors. They make their power lower down.
Hope this helps.
Best

 

Torque is what pushes you into your seat when you accelerate from the lights
Horsepower numbers sound impressive when your boasting at the pub
A car with massive torque pulling away hard will stop you from playing with your stereo at that moment