We've had threads before of "hp vs torque". Found this article today and thought it was a good summary and explanation
http://www.canadiandriver.com/2010/0...and-torque.htm

Real world take aways:
*Torque is twisting force, the rate of the force is not a factor
*HP is a function of the torque, and how fast it is applied (RPM)
*A big V8 in a pickup has lots of torque (force) to tow a lot. It just needs X amount of force to move the load, but the rate of acceleration is not a huge factor
*A small V8 in a Ferrari might only have 60% of the torque, but applies that force at a much higher rate (RPM) and therefore has more HP