| Message | If you know the torque and the rpm, you can calculate the HP based on the formula.  HP= Torque x RPM / 5252.  So if you have the torque curve for an engine you really have the power description for that engine.  I don't know why torque at a low rpm would stress an engine more than the same torque at a high rpm.  It's both force applied with a moment arm, and independent of rpm. Diesel engines are beefy because the compression ratio has to be really high.
 
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