What is the difference between Nm and lb-ft?

Nm (Newton-metres) is the metric SI unit used in Europe and increasingly worldwide. lb-ft (foot-pounds) is the imperial unit common in the US and older UK publications. 1 Nm = 0.7376 lb-ft.

Why is torque important?

Torque determines how much pulling force the engine produces. Higher torque means stronger acceleration and better towing ability. Diesel engines typically produce more torque than petrol engines of the same size.

What is a good torque figure?

It depends on the car weight and purpose. A small hatchback might have 120-200 Nm, a sports car 300-500 Nm, and a performance car 500+ Nm. Diesel cars typically have 20-40% more torque than petrol equivalents.

What torque figures should I expect from a turbo diesel?

Modern turbo diesels produce high torque relative to their size. A 2.0 diesel typically makes 300-400 Nm (220-295 lb-ft). A 3.0 diesel can make 500-700 Nm. Diesels deliver peak torque from 1,500-2,500 RPM, giving strong low-speed pulling power for towing and overtaking.

Is more torque always better?

More torque gives stronger acceleration and pulling power, especially at low RPM. For everyday driving, a broad, flat torque curve is more useful than a high peak figure. Diesel engines and electric motors deliver maximum torque from low RPM, which is why they feel more responsive in traffic.

CarCalcs

Torque Converter

Convert torque between Nm, lb-ft, and kgf-m.

Torque

Unit

How We Calculate This

Converts between torque units using standard factors: 1 Nm = 0.7376 lb-ft = 0.10197 kgf-m.

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Actual figures may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle specifications, and other factors.