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From: bl@hplabsb.UUCP (Bruce T. Lowerre)
Newsgroups: net.auto.tech
Subject: Re: trivia question
Message-ID: <3177@hplabsb.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 18-Nov-85 16:40:09 EST
Article-I.D.: hplabsb.3177
Posted: Mon Nov 18 16:40:09 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 23-Nov-85 05:17:34 EST
References: <600@drutx.UUCP>
Organization: Hewlett Packard Labs, Palo Alto CA
Lines: 14

> Why do cars have clutches?
> 
> Because, the engine has to keep running while the car starts from a stop.
> A clutch enables the engine to do this. It is inconceivable to me how an
> engine directly coupled to the wheels could get the car moving from a 
> dead stop without the assistance of a starter, but that would be too
> great a strain on the battery, and wouldn't work as well as with a clutch.
> 
> But then, what do I know?
> 
> Matt Graham
> !ihnp4!drutx!msg

Correct!  Gasoline and Diesel engines have zero starting torque.