Torque Versus BHP

[wanty1974]

Excuse me for being a bit thick, but can someone explain the benefits of the above when buying a van?

In a nutshell, I may be buying a Merc Vito, which has three high-torque diesel engines and one lower-torque petrol. The petrol engine has higher BHP and better fuel ecomony than any of the diesels, so my question is, what do I lose out on by not having the torque the diesels can give me?

The loads wouldn't be that big - not even half a tonne.

I've posted this on General Gassing as well to get lots of response!

[350zwelgje]

Less torque = higher revs required.
And the worst, waiting for things to happen.
No tuned Rover V8's available as an option? So you can have the combination of best of both worlds.

Rob

[350zwelgje]

Less torque = higher revs required.
And the worst, waiting for things to happen.
No tuned Rover V8's available as an option? So you can have the combination of best of both worlds.

Rob

[kevinday]

I would be very surprised if the petrol engine was more economical. Torque is turning power, for a van you want lots of low-down torque not higher bhp. For a van such as a Vito always go for a Turbo Diesel.

Can you give the capacities, torque and bhp figures?