So power was used intentionally because of the point I’m making as it’s a broad term referring to the capabilities of an engine. Realistically the only thing we measure on a vehicle to determine it’s “power” levels is torque. Torque is the amount force the engine produces. Horsepower isn’t a thing measured but a formula. Horsepower=Torque*RPM/5252. So when I say “power” Im referring to the amount of force an engine can put out without a specific measurement.

Why were cars back then so interested in low end torque has multiple reasons. The first reason is because it’s just a matter of design. The bigger the engine the higher the inherent torque. If you look at naturally aspirated engines there is a typical trend that larger engines have bigger more torque. It’s just physics at that point.

The other reason is because it’s more enjoyable to drive. There’s not a lot of places you can go to crack open that horsepower and push the car up to 150+mph. By prioritizing low end torque you get that super quick acceleration while not having to push the vehicle to unsafe speeds.