Q

why mercedes f1 car is slow

So, why haven't the Mercedes F1 cars been living up to expectations lately? A big part of it comes down to how they've adapted to the ground-effect era introduced by the 2022 regulations. Those rules shifted the focus for generating downforce from relying heavily on the front and rear wings to making the underfloor do the heavy lifting. That forced Mercedes to completely rethink their whole low-drag, high-speed philosophy they'd nailed so well. Remember their "zero-pod" sidepod concept? Early on, that thing just couldn't manage the airflow properly, leading to a car that was twitchy in corners and chewed through tires way too quickly. Then there's this year's W14 – getting the suspension setup right while taming that annoying porpoising (that violent bouncing when the floor stalls at high speeds) has sucked up a ton of their development resources. But hey, these guys are eight-time constructors' champions for a reason. They've been steadily chipping away at the issues, updating the floor and tweaking the sidepods to get back on track. Honestly, it's just par for the course in F1's tech arms race. Think back to when the hybrid era kicked off in 2014 – even Renault's power units went through some growing pains, right? Malaysian fans probably remember that well. F1's technical battles always seem to come in cycles; how quickly each team adapts when the rulebook gets rewritten has a huge say in who's winning on Sunday.
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Related Q&A

Q
What car has the highest torque?
In the Malaysian market, the current model with the highest torque is the Tank 500. It is equipped with a Hybrid petrol-electric powertrain and a Miller-cycle 2.0T engine, delivering a combined torque of 750N•m, along with a combined power output of 300kW, a combined fuel consumption of 2.06L/100km, and a fuel consumption of only 8.80L/100km in charge-sustaining mode. It also features BorgWarner's new-generation EMOD intelligent four-wheel drive system, balancing robust power delivery with fuel efficiency. Additionally, other high-torque models in the market include the Toyota Hilux 2.8L turbocharged diesel variant (peak torque 500N•m) and the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete 2.4L twin-turbo diesel variant (peak torque 470N•m). These models, leveraging the inherent characteristics of diesel engines, deliver substantial low-end torque, making them ideal for heavy-duty or off-road applications. Through its hybrid system's synergistic operation, the Tank 500 further elevates its torque characteristics, offering consumers enhanced dynamic performance while demonstrating exceptional traction and off-road capability, particularly in challenging terrain conditions.
Q
Does torque make a car faster?
Torque is one of the key indicators affecting a car's acceleration performance, especially during starting and low-speed acceleration. Greater torque allows the vehicle to overcome inertia more quickly, enabling rapid starts and acceleration while reducing the 0-100km/h acceleration time. For example, high-torque models can reach 60km/h faster when starting at traffic lights and increase speed more rapidly when overtaking. Additionally, torque determines a vehicle's hill-climbing ability and load-carrying performance. High-torque models can provide more ample power when facing steep slopes or heavy loads, allowing smooth driving without frequent gear shifts. Torque is closely related to power; their product equals horsepower, and together they influence vehicle performance—starting and low-speed acceleration rely on torque, while power plays a more significant role during high-speed driving. Transmission matching optimizes torque output; for instance, turbocharged engines are designed to maintain peak torque output in the low-rev range, enhancing the smoothness and responsiveness of urban driving. However, a vehicle's top speed also depends on factors such as power and transmission efficiency. Torque is not the sole determining factor, but it is crucial for the acceleration experience and practical performance in daily driving.
Q
What is the torque of a normal car?
There is no fixed torque value for regular cars; it needs to be determined based on the vehicle type, displacement, and usage scenarios. From the perspective of vehicle types, the torque of small cars is usually 100-150 N·m, compact cars 150-220 N·m, midsize cars 200-280 N·m, and high-end SUVs or performance cars can reach 250-400+ N·m. In terms of displacement, engines below 1.0L mostly have a torque of 100-150 N·m, 1.0L-1.5L engines 150-220 N·m, 1.6L-2.0L engines 200-280 N·m, and engines above 2.0L 250-400+ N·m. For most family users, a torque range of 200-300 N·m is more suitable, as it can not only meet the power needs for daily passenger and cargo carrying but also not lead to excessively high fuel consumption and maintenance costs. If one pursues driving pleasure or stronger acceleration performance, models with torque above 300 N·m can be chosen. If the car is mainly used for urban commuting, appropriately reducing the torque can improve fuel economy. The suitable torque range varies under different needs and scenarios, so one needs to choose based on their actual situation.
Q
What torque is good for a car?
Torque is a key indicator for measuring the instantaneous explosive power of a car engine, and its reasonable value needs to be determined based on the vehicle model and usage scenario. For family cars, a torque range of 150-220N·m is sufficient to meet urban commuting needs. The Mazda Skyactiv-G1.5 engine, common in the local market, delivers a peak torque of 148N·m at 4000 rpm, which is close to this range and provides smooth daily acceleration. For SUV models, a torque of 250-350N·m is recommended to handle complex road conditions. Performance cars or hardcore off-road vehicles require torque above 400N·m to ensure robust power output. Additionally, torque characteristics vary among different engine types: turbocharged engines typically achieve peak torque at 1500-2000 rpm, offering more immediate power response, while naturally aspirated engines generally reach peak torque above 3000 rpm, with relatively delayed power delivery. When selecting, it's essential to match the torque range to your specific driving needs to achieve an optimal driving experience.
Q
How to calculate torque?
There are two main core methods for calculating torque. The first one is based on mechanical principles, i.e., torque equals the product of the force acting perpendicularly on the lever arm and the length of the lever arm, with the formula: Torque (Nm) = Force (N) × Lever Arm Length (m). It is applicable to scenarios such as bolt tightening and simple mechanical rotation. The second method is commonly used in power systems like automobile engines, which calculates torque through the relationship between power and rotational speed, with the formula: Torque (Nm) = Power (kW) × 9550 ÷ Rotational Speed (rpm). This formula helps engineers optimize the parameter matching of engines, transmissions, and drive systems during the design phase, and select appropriate gear ratios to balance power performance and fuel economy. In performance testing, the torque curve obtained using this formula can intuitively reflect the power output characteristics of the engine at different rotational speeds. In the manufacturing process, controlling the assembly torque of components according to the force and lever arm formula can ensure the reliability of connections and avoid problems such as component loosening due to insufficient torque or bolt fracture caused by excessive torque.
Q
Which is better, torque or horsepower?
Neither torque nor horsepower is strictly better—their importance depends on your driving needs. Torque refers to the twisting force that gets a car moving from a stop, climbs hills, or accelerates at low speeds, which is ideal for stop-and-go city traffic (common in Malaysian urban areas like Kuala Lumpur) and navigating hilly regions such as Cameron Highlands or Genting Highlands. Horsepower, on the other hand, measures how quickly that force can be sustained over time, crucial for maintaining high speeds on highways like the North-South Expressway or overtaking other vehicles safely at higher RPMs. In Malaysia, most popular local models (like Perodua Myvi or Proton Saga) are tuned for strong low-end torque to suit daily urban commutes, while turbocharged variants (such as Proton X50 or X70) balance early torque delivery with sufficient horsepower for highway use. For instance, a car with high torque at 1,500-2,500 RPM will feel responsive when pulling away from traffic lights or climbing small slopes, whereas higher horsepower helps in faster overtakes on busy expressways. Modern engines often combine both traits—turbochargers boost torque at low RPMs and maintain horsepower at higher ranges, making them versatile for mixed driving conditions in Malaysia. So the "better" option depends on your routine: prioritize torque for city-focused drives, or a balanced torque-horsepower ratio for frequent highway and hill trips.
Q
How is engine torque calculated?
There are mainly two methods for calculating engine torque. At the basic physics level, it can be calculated by the product of force and moment arm, with the formula: Torque M = Force F × Moment Arm r (where F is the force acting perpendicularly on the moment arm, in Newtons; r is the length of the moment arm, in meters; the resulting unit is Newton-meters, Nm). In automotive engineering, the commonly used calculation method is based on the engine's output power and rotational speed, with the formula: Torque T = 9550 × Power P ÷ Rotational Speed n (where P is the output power, in kilowatts, kW; n is the rotational speed, in revolutions per minute, rpm). For example, an engine with a power of 100 kW and a rotational speed of 5000 rpm has a torque of 9550 × 100 ÷ 5000 = 191 Nm. Torque is widely used in the automotive field. During the design phase, it can be used to optimize the parameter matching of the engine, transmission, and drive system by calculation, and select an appropriate gear ratio to balance power and fuel economy. In performance testing, the torque curve can reflect the dynamic characteristics of the engine and help evaluate the power transmission efficiency. In the manufacturing process, parts assembly must strictly follow torque requirements. For instance, the bolt tightening torque should be moderate to avoid loosening or damage, ensuring the reliability and stability of the vehicle.
Q
What type of fuel do ships use?
The types of fuels used in ships are diverse, and their selection needs to be comprehensively determined based on the ship type, navigation area, and environmental protection regulations. Among traditional fuels, heavy fuel oil (such as RMG380) is the main fuel for large ocean-going vessels due to its low cost and high energy density. However, its high viscosity requires preheating, and the high sulfur content necessitates desulfurization equipment to comply with the IMO 2020 global sulfur cap of 0.5%. Marine diesel fuels include marine gas oil (MGO) and marine diesel oil (MDO). MGO is clean and low-sulfur (with sulfur content ≤0.1% for low-sulfur variants), making it suitable for ports, emission control areas, or small vessels. MDO, with performance intermediate between heavy fuel oil and light diesel, is commonly used in auxiliary engines. As for clean transition fuels, liquefied natural gas (LNG) produces virtually no sulfur oxide emissions and reduces nitrogen oxides by up to 90%, leading to its widespread adoption in regions with stringent environmental regulations. Biofuels like hydrogenated vegetable oil can be blended directly with conventional fuels without system modifications, serving as a practical short-term emission reduction solution. Among emerging green fuels, green methanol remains liquid at ambient temperature for easy storage and offers significant carbon reduction benefits; ammonia combustion emits no CO2, positioning green ammonia as a potential future fuel for deep-sea shipping; while hydrogen provides zero emissions, its storage demands cryogenic or high-pressure conditions, making it more viable for short-haul routes. With the International Maritime Organization's 2050 target of reducing shipping greenhouse gas emissions by 50%, marine fuels are undergoing a progressive shift toward diversification and cleaner alternatives. Shipowners must evaluate fuel options by holistically assessing cost, environmental performance, and technological readiness.
Q
Is diesel #2 the same as diesel?
Diesel #2 is a specific type of diesel fuel; not all diesel fuels are equivalent to Diesel #2. Diesel #2 typically refers to ultra-low sulfur diesel without additives, whose hydrocarbon properties meet the requirements of relevant standard tests. It has good combustibility, high energy density, and good fluidity at room temperature, making it suitable for diesel engines in heavy-duty vehicles, industrial equipment, and generator sets. Due to its low sulfur content, this type of diesel helps reduce engine wear and exhaust emissions. It is one of the common types of diesel fuel locally and is widely used in diesel-powered equipment in road transportation, agriculture, construction, and other fields.
Q
Why put 2 stroke oil in diesel?
The practice of adding two-stroke engine oil to diesel fuel is mainly applicable to two-stroke diesel engines. Due to their compact structure and lack of an independent lubrication system, these engines require two-stroke engine oil to be mixed with diesel fuel in a specific ratio. This allows the oil to lubricate internal moving parts such as pistons and crankshafts while participating in combustion, preventing wear under high-temperature and high-speed operation, as well as assisting in cooling, sealing, and cleaning the engine interior. However, for four-stroke diesel engines, adding two-stroke engine oil to diesel fuel is not recommended. Since they have an independent circulating lubrication system where the oil does not participate in combustion, adding two-stroke oil can easily cause carbon deposits, clog fuel injectors or high-pressure fuel rails, and affect engine performance. It should be noted that the use of two-stroke engine oil must strictly follow the manufacturer's recommended ratio to ensure the normal operation of the engine and extend its service life.
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Latest Q&A

Q
What is a torque motor?
A torque motor is a direct-drive motor whose core design lies in delivering high torque at low speeds without the need for a gearbox. Operating on the principle of electromagnetic induction, it provides smooth and precise motion performance, making it particularly suitable for scenarios with high requirements for stability, reliability, and low maintenance needs. Also often referred to as "frameless motors," these motors differ from traditional ones in that they do not have a housing, bearings, or feedback devices, resulting in a more streamlined structure. In the automotive field, leveraging their high-torque and low-speed characteristics, torque motors can be applied in key scenarios such as electric power steering systems and brake assist components. They help improve the response accuracy and operational efficiency of the systems, meet the vehicle's demand for precise control of core components, and provide reliable support for the stable operation of the vehicle.
Q
What is torque in a car?
Automotive torque refers to the moment of force output by the engine from the crankshaft end, typically measured in Newton-meters (N·m), and is often marked alongside revolutions per minute (r/min). Under the condition of fixed power, torque is inversely proportional to engine speed—the faster the speed, the smaller the torque, and the slower the speed, the larger the torque. This characteristic reflects the load-carrying capacity of a vehicle within a certain range. As one of the core indicators for measuring engine performance, torque directly affects a vehicle's acceleration performance, climbing ability, and launch dynamics: the greater the torque, the stronger the initial thrust during launch, the more pronounced the "push-back feeling" during acceleration, and the easier it is to climb slopes or handle heavy loads. For instance, off-road vehicles and trucks require high torque to navigate challenging terrains or transport heavy cargo, while sports cars utilize substantial torque to achieve rapid acceleration from standstill. Peak torque typically occurs in the engine's mid-to-low speed range (e.g., 1500-4000 rpm), where power delivery remains smooth, reducing shift frequency and mechanical wear. It's essential to distinguish between torque and power: torque represents instantaneous thrust capability, influencing launch and acceleration; power denotes sustained work capacity, determining top speed. Given equal horsepower, a vehicle with higher torque will accelerate faster from standstill. When selecting a vehicle, consider usage scenarios: urban commuting typically requires 200-300 Nm of torque; for mountainous terrain or frequent heavy loads, opt for models exceeding 300 Nm; performance enthusiasts may prioritize engines with broad torque curves for prolonged acceleration sensation. Additionally, torque effectiveness is influenced by vehicle weight and tire traction—excessive torque with inadequate traction may cause wheelspin, necessitating holistic evaluation of the vehicle's overall configuration.
Q
What is torque in simple words?
Torque, simply put, is the force that causes an object to rotate. For example, when tightening a screw with a wrench, the torque is calculated by multiplying the force applied by the hand by the distance from the hand's grip point to the screw. In the automotive field, it specifically refers to the rotational moment output by the engine crankshaft, measured in Newton-meters (Nm), representing the engine's "power delivery" capability. The greater the torque, the stronger the "push-back" feeling when the vehicle starts, and the better its climbing and load-carrying abilities. For instance, a family car usually needs 200-300 Nm of torque to meet daily needs, an off-road vehicle requires higher torque to handle steep slopes, and a truck needs more than 800 Nm to ensure power for heavy loads. Torque is inversely proportional to rotational speed; most gasoline engines reach their maximum torque in the range of 1500-4500 revolutions per minute, where the power output is suitable for daily driving. It differs from horsepower: torque is the instantaneous power delivery capability, while horsepower is the sustained power output performance. Both jointly affect the overall performance of a car, and paying attention to the torque value when choosing a car can help determine whether the vehicle meets one's driving needs.
Q
What is considered high torque?
In the local automotive market, the definition of high torque varies by vehicle category. For diesel-powered pickup trucks and commercial vehicles, torque exceeding 400Nm is generally regarded as high torque. For example, the 2.4L twin-turbocharged diesel engine in the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete delivers a peak torque of 470Nm, while the Toyota HiAce SLWB's 2.8T diesel engine produces a peak torque of 450Nm. These values provide sufficient traction for heavy loads and hill climbing. In the off-road SUV segment, plug-in hybrid models demonstrate even more impressive torque performance. The Great Wall Tank 300 PHEV, for instance, achieves a combined torque output of 640Nm, with such high torque significantly improving the vehicle's off-road capability and adaptability to challenging terrain. The advantage of high torque is its ability to deliver greater power at lower RPMs while minimizing gear shifts, making it particularly suitable for high-demand applications like cargo hauling, passenger transport, or off-road driving. It serves as a key metric for evaluating a vehicle's towing capacity and practical utility.
Q
What is the relationship between torque and power?
Torque and power are the core indicators for measuring a car's dynamic performance, and they are closely related and complementary to each other. Torque refers to the rotational force output by the engine from the crankshaft end, measured in Newton-meters (N·m). It directly determines the instantaneous power and load capacity of the vehicle during acceleration and hill climbing. The greater the torque, the stronger the acceleration response and climbing performance of the vehicle in the low-speed range. Power represents the engine's work efficiency per unit time, typically measured in kilowatts (kW) or horsepower (PS, 1PS ≈ 0.735kW). The higher its value, the better the vehicle's top speed and sustained acceleration capability. Mathematically, power equals torque multiplied by rotational speed divided by the constant 9549 (the formula is Power (kW) = Torque (N·m) × Rotational Speed (rpm) / 9549). Thus, at a constant rotational speed, power is proportional to torque; if power is fixed, torque is inversely proportional to rotational speed—the higher the rotational speed, the lower the torque, and vice versa. In practice, different vehicle models balance these parameters according to their design: off-road or heavy-duty vehicles typically optimize torque output at low rotational speeds to handle complex terrain and heavy loads; high-performance sports cars emphasize power output at high rotational speeds to achieve maximum velocity and rapid power response. Additionally, an engine's maximum torque and maximum power usually occur at different rotational speeds. Peak torque is achieved at lower speeds, while power increases with rising rotational speed, and torque gradually declines. This characteristic determines the vehicle's varying power performance under different driving conditions.
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