Torque is the turning force of an engine. It is measured in pound-feet (lb-ft) or newton-meters (Nm). The lower the gear ratio, the more torque the engine will produce. This is because the gears in a lower gear ratio are larger than the gears in a higher gear ratio. The larger gears provide more leverage, which allows the engine to turn the wheels with more force.
For maximum power, use the highest gear ratio.
Power is the rate at which work is done. It is measured in horsepower (hp) or kilowatts (kW). The higher the gear ratio, the more power the engine will produce. This is because the gears in a higher gear ratio are smaller than the gears in a lower gear ratio. The smaller gears allow the engine to spin faster, which produces more power.
Here is a table that summarizes the relationship between gear ratios and torque and power:
| Gear Ratio | Torque | Power |
|---|---|---|
| Low | High | Low |
| High | Low | High |
In general, you should use the lowest gear ratio that will allow you to maintain the desired speed. This will help you to maximize torque and efficiency. However, if you need to accelerate quickly or climb a hill, you may need to shift to a higher gear ratio.