Is horsepower or torque better?

Horsepower vs Torque

Horsepower and torque are measurements of the power that your engine produces, but they measure very different kinds of power. Simplified, horsepower determines the top speed of your vehicle and helps your vehicle maintain high speeds, while torque determines how fast your vehicle accelerates from 0 mph and how much weight it can move from a complete stop.

Should I Get More Torque or Horsepower?

Which type of power you should prioritize depends on what you want to use your vehicle for. If you need to tow or haul things, then high torque is preferred. If you want to set high speed records, then high horsepower is the way to go. For the average driver, though, balanced horsepower and torque is preferred. Most vehicles’ top speed usually comes out to between 100-130 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of between 7-9 seconds. Entry-level Mercedes-Benz vehicles tend toward a top speed of 130 mph and below the 7-second 0-60 mph time.