Why can small engines make high horsepower, but almost never high torque?

Question

So I am aware of the existence of high specific output engines like in the Honda S2000 or Ferraris, but one common criticism those cars tend to have is their lack of torque. Why does it seem so difficult for these engines to make more torque as well?

In: Engineering

Answer 1

Less turning moment radius, smaller wire gauges, smaller magnets, smaller shafts, etc. all limit the maximum mechanical output of a motor. Now stick alot of gears on the end you can turn that high speed input into high torque output but will very high mechanical losses.