On 31/03/2016 16:15, newshound wrote:

Peak power revs is normally a point where your acceleration is dropping
right off. For the best 0-60, standing quarter, or whatever you would
normally change up before you reach peak power (as long as you have
another gear available).

I don't think that is true. Peak power will give you the fastest change
in speed - if you have a choice of gear X at peak power and a higher
gear Y at peak torque for that road speed, you will accelerate fastest
by being in gear X.

Power, revs, and torque are inextricably linked but I think that most
mechanical engineers who go back to the basics think of it being the
torque which provides the mechanical force at the wheels (and hence the
acceleration).

I don't find any of the relationships confusing.

Power = engine torque * RPM

Acceleration = wheel torque * constant

wheel torque = engine torque / gear ratio

(where higher gear = higher gear ratio)

That's all there is. The available torque at various RPM is of course
unknown, depending on the engine itself.