What was the torque output of the Ford Model T engine?

The Ford Model T engine produced 83 pound-feet of torque. That figure is commonly quoted for the 177-cubic-inch inline-four, with peak torque arriving at a very low engine speed of about 900 rpm.

Torque is the twisting force produced at the crankshaft. The T’s strong low-speed pull suited an automobile designed for rough roads, steep grades and practical transportation rather than high-speed performance. Its engine made about 20 horsepower and propelled the car to roughly 40–45 mph, depending on conditions and specification.

The low-revving engine worked with Ford’s planetary transmission, whose two forward ratios were selected using pedals and a floor lever. This combination gave the Model T useful pulling ability without requiring a conventional multi-speed gearbox.

Specifications can vary slightly by source, year, test method and whether the figure is rounded. The 83 lb-ft value is the standard trivia answer for the Model T engine, while numbers such as 60, 100 and 120 do not match the commonly cited factory-era specification. Torque and horsepower are related, but they are not the same measurement.