Originally Posted by seattle

I think it is completely opposite. It is the torque that sustains a given speed uphill. Horsepower is what accelerates.
I always use this analogy for horsepower vs. torque:
Horsepower = quick ninja. Torque = sumo wrestler.
A ninja is hella quick, but won't be as quick with a heavy backpack on it's back. A sumo wrestler is slow and steady empty handed, and won't even feel that backpack.

That's in line with how people who tow with 35ds describe it: acceleration is pretty much the same with or without a boat attached.