Torque makes the world go round—literally. It’s what lets diesels tow mountains, churn oceans, and shake the ground beneath your boots. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about diesel legends that twist metal and rewrite physics. Curious how far torque can go? Buckle up—this ride pulls hard.

Wartsila-Sulzer RT-flex96C

Few machines in history generate as much brute force as the Wartsila-Sulzer RT-flex96C. Built for ultra-large container ships, it cranks out 5,608,310 lb-ft of torque. Stretching nearly 90 feet, this 14-cylinder giant redefines scale and output. Nothing on land or sea compares to its raw diesel power.

Caterpillar C175 

At 1,800 RPM, the Caterpillar C175 flexes with 16,474 lb-ft of torque—an output suited for the harshest mining conditions. You’re looking at a V16 diesel marvel used in mega earthmovers and locomotives. Its size may impress, but its durability is what keeps industries moving without pause.

Caterpillar C32B

Need over 5,500 lb-ft of torque on open water? The Caterpillar C32B delivers. Common aboard performance yachts and offshore support vessels, this V12 marine engine blends displacement with refined throttle control. Its wide torque band between 1,300–1,800 RPM gives serious thrust where reliability can’t be compromised.

Cummins 6.7L High Output

The Cummins 6.7L High Output isn’t designed for subtlety. Its 1,075 lb-ft of torque makes towing 37,000 pounds feel effortless. You’ll find it at the heart of Ram 3500 trucks built to work. In the heavy-duty pickup category, it leads the charge with unshakable authority.

Ford 6.7L Power Stroke

Do you ever wonder how Ford’s Super Duty trucks pull such enormous loads? The answer lies in the 6.7L Power Stroke, a diesel V8 with 1,050 lb-ft of torque. Graphite iron meets modern fuel mapping in this 2011 debut, giving it a reputation for outlasting rivals without losing composure.

Duramax 6.6L L5P

Few engines earn loyalty like the Duramax 6.6L L5P. With 910 lb-ft of torque and a V8 profile, it provides the muscle Chevy and GMC truck owners count on. Smart engineering, like a variable-geometry turbo, makes this diesel a worksite regular and weekend warrior favorite.

Volkswagen V10 TDI

Volkswagen’s V10 TDI surprised everyone by putting 553 lb-ft of torque into a midsize SUV. It may be smaller than most on this list, but in the early 2000s, the Touareg equipped with this engine felt more like a locomotive than a family hauler. Diesel wasn’t dead—it evolved.

Mack E7

You won’t see the E7 in the spotlight, but truckers know it delivers.  Known for delivering up to 1,660 lb-ft of torque, it powered countless semi-trucks across North America. Drivers favored it for simplicity; mechanics praised its buildability, and fleet owners trusted its endurance for millions of operational miles.

BMW B57 Quad-Turbo

BMW went futuristic with its B57 quad-turbo diesel. This inline-six isn’t about brawn alone—it delivers 561 lb-ft with elegance. Found in premium models like the 750d, its balance of torque and refinement proves that diesel power can wear a suit and still push hard on the autobahn.

Audi 6.0L V12 TDI

Picture a V12 with twin turbos located inside an SUV. That’s the Audi 6.0L TDI—737 lb-ft of torque serves silence and fury. Built for the Q7, it redefined what diesel could mean in performance design. Supercar torque in family clothing? It actually happened—and it stunned critics.