Originally posted by MrFatBooty
Torque is a measure of force, horsepower is a measure of work. Work is the effect a force has over time.
HP = (lb/ft * RPM) / 5250
Generally what people mean when they say a car "has lots of torque" is that it produces a lot of torque at lower RPM and thus feels more responsive at those lower RPM.
That's it.
More precisely, Horsepower is a measure of torque (weight/distance) over time. Watt's definition: 33,000lbs traveling one foot, in one minute.
As to why people assume Hondas need more? Blame it on the V8 culture. Americans love cars that throw them back in their seat as soon as they stomp the pedal. Hondas don't do that. Even one that has been turbocharged or supercharged might only gently press you back as speed increases. Americans like that neckbreaking snap from idle... its in our subconscious as an indicator of a powerful car. This is why even American I4's are usually torquier than their japanese counterparts.