I lean towards torque, but thats cause I buy motors that are designed for that to start with. Its always easier to get more torque from a high torque motor than HP from the same motor. What it comes down too is what do You want to do with the motor?want 800HP? better go street racing. Want better fuel economy? get a high set of gears and a torque motor. or a 4 cylinder(eeeew).Want to throw back your head till your eyeballs pop out? get a Big block my friend. HP has its uses, but im big on torque myself.