What is the difference between torque and horsepower in an engine?

Torque is the rotational force produced by the engine, measured in Nm or lb-ft, which determines acceleration capability and load-carrying ability. Horsepower (or kW) is the rate at which work is done, calculated from torque multiplied by RPM. In simple terms, torque determines how hard the engine can push, while horsepower determines how fast it can push. Both are important for overall vehicle performance.