Towing: 35i vs 35d

[JCL]

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.

It is torque that sustains a given speed, correct. But it is wheel torque, or rim pull, not flywheel torque. Transmissions multiply that engine torque. Just means you may be in a different gear between the two models.

And with the higher hp of the 35i, that given speed will be higher than that of the diesel. The 35i can simply do more work.

What the diesel owners notice is that the vehicle doesn't need to shift as often. They describe that as feeling effortless. No argument. But it is still slower. And with the narrower power band of the diesel, and fewer gears in the transmission, it is a good thing it does have more flywheel torque.