Virtual world Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS 2) attracts millions of players not only with realistic graphics and an extensive map of Europe, but also with in-depth development of technology. One of the key issues for virtual truckers remains the choice of the most powerful tractor - after all, not only the speed of cargo delivery, but also the comfort of driving on difficult sections of the road depends on this. But what exactly makes a truck "the most powerful"?
In this article we will analyze technical specifications all tractors available in the game, let’s compare them by key parameters - horsepower, torque, weight load and fuel efficiency. We'll pay special attention to how these parameters affect the gameplay: from climbs in the Alps to high-speed tracks in Germany. Let’s also figure out why sometimes Scania R with 730 hp may give in Volvo FH16 with 750 hp in real transportation conditions.
It is important to understand that in ETS 2 “power” is not only numbers in the characteristics, but also a combination of factors: gearbox, suspension tuning, and also modifications from the community, which can radically change the behavior of technology. We will take all this into account to give the most objective answer possible.
Tractor power criteria in ETS 2: what is more important - hp. or torque?
When players argue about the most powerful truck in Euro Truck Simulator 2, most often compared horsepower (hp). However, this parameter is just the tip of the iceberg. It is much more important to understand how they interact:
- 🔧 Torque (Nm) — determines how easily the tractor “pulls” a heavy load on the rise. In ETS 2 this parameter is often underestimated, although it is critical for mountain routes.
- ⚖️ Own weight and load capacity — a heavy tractor with a powerful engine may lose to a lighter one in acceleration, but win in stability.
- ⛽ Fuel consumption — powerful engines “eat” more diesel, which affects the profitability of the flight. In the game this is especially noticeable at long distances.
- ⚙️ Transmission — the number of gears and their ratio can make even a 600-horsepower engine more efficient than a 750-horsepower engine with proper tuning.
For example, Mercedes-Benz Actros with engine OM 473 (625 hp) may seem weaker Scania R730, but thanks to its optimal gearbox it often outperforms its competitors on flat terrain. But in the mountains Volvo FH16 750 with him record torque of 3550 Nm becomes out of competition.
⚠️ Attention: ETS 2 has some modifications from the community (for example, Realistic Engine Sounds or Physics Mod) can radically change the behavior of technology. If you use mods, test the power of the tractors at the test site before a long trip.
Top 5 most powerful production tractors in ETS 2: comparison table
Below are basic versions trucks (excluding tuning and mods), sorted by maximum engine power. All data is relevant for the game version 1.48.x:
| Tractor model | Max. power (hp) | Torque (Nm) | Weight (kg) | Max. speed (km/h) | Fuel consumption (l/100 km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volvo FH16 750 | 750 | 3550 | 7200 | 90 | 38-42 |
| Scania R730 | 730 | 3500 | 6800 | 90 | 36-40 |
| Mercedes-Benz Actros 625 | 625 | 3000 | 7500 | 89 | 34-38 |
| DAF XF 530 | 530 | 2500 | 7100 | 90 | 32-36 |
| MAN TGX 640 | 640 | 3000 | 7300 | 89 | 35-39 |
From the table it is clear that Volvo FH16 750 leads in power and torque, but at the same time has the highest fuel consumption. Scania R730 slightly lighter and more economical, making it a more balanced choice for long-haul flights. But DAF XF 530, despite its modest 530 hp, stands out for its low fuel consumption - ideal for players who value profitability.
Volvo FH16 750: king of the mountain tracks or fuel monster?
Volvo FH16 750 - the only tractor in ETS 2 with factory power 750 hp and torque 3550 Nm. These characteristics make it indispensable on difficult routes, for example through the Alps or the Carpathians. However, this power has a downside:
- ⛽ Fuel consumption - up to 42 liters per 100 km when fully loaded. This is 10-15% more than competitors.
- 💰 Maintenance cost - high power means more expensive repairs and replacement of parts.
- 🚛 Weight — 7200 kg makes it one of the heaviest tractors, which affects maneuverability.
Where FH16 750 really irreplaceable? On long climbs (for example, road E6 in Norway) or during transport heavy loads (more than 24 tons). Under these conditions, its advantages outweigh its disadvantages. But on flat roads in Germany or France, it loses to more economical models.
⚠️ Attention: When using Volvo FH16 750 with trailer Lowboy (for transporting equipment) its torque may be excessive - this leads to wheel slipping on wet asphalt. In such cases, it is recommended to reduce the tire pressure in the setup menu.
If you often drive in the mountains, install the modification Realistic Physics Mod - she does the controls Volvo FH16 even more realistic, but requires caution on descents due to increased inertia.
Scania R730: golden balance of power and efficiency
Scania R730 - the second most powerful tractor in ETS 2, but the first most popular among players. Why? It's all about balance:
- 🔄 Torque 3500 Nm — only 50 Nm less than Volvo FH16, but the engine is more responsive at mid-range speeds.
- ⚖️ Weight 6800 kg - 400 kg lighter Volvo, which improves acceleration and maneuverability.
- ⛽ Fuel consumption — on average 2-3 liters less per 100 km, which gives noticeable savings over long distances.
Feature Scania R730 - her versatility. This tractor is equally good on mountain serpentines and on expressways. In addition, at Scania one of the best in the game cabin ergonomics, which is important for long flights. And thanks to modding (for example, Scania T Mod) you can further improve its characteristics.
The only negative is price. Standard Scania R730 more expensive DAF XF or MAN TGX, but the difference pays off in 10-15 flights due to savings on fuel.
Install the gearbox Opticruise|Select engine DC16 730|Set tire pressure to 7.5 bar|Turn off climate control to save fuel|Use a trailer Krone Cool Liner for light loads-->
Modifications and tuning: how to make any tractor more powerful
Basic characteristics are just the beginning. In ETS 2 there are several ways to increase the power of the tractor:
- Official upgrades — in the showrooms you can improve the engine, transmission and suspension. For example, for Mercedes Actros tuning available up to
650 hp (from basic 625).
- Community mods - such as:
- 🔧 Realistic Engine Sounds & Physics - changes engine behavior and sound.
- ⚡ Power Mod — increases the power of all tractors by 10-15%.
- 🚛 Truck Tuning Pack — adds new details for visual and technical tuning.
Transmission setup — the correct selection of gear ratios can make even a 500-horsepower engine more efficient than a 700-horsepower one.
For example, after installing the mod Jazzycat’s Engine Tuning Pack DAF XF 530 can be overclocked to 600 hp, and MAN TGX 640 - up to 700 hp. However
⚠️ Attention: Some modifications (for example, Physics Mod v9.0) conflict with official DLC. Before installation, check compatibility on the website ets2.lt.
How to install a power mod without errors?
1. Download the archive with the mod (for example, Power Mod v1.2) from a trusted source (recommended ETS2Mods).
2. Unzip the files into a folder Euro Truck Simulator 2\mod.
3. In the game launcher, activate the mod by placing it at the top of the list (above other modifications).
4. Launch the game and check the characteristics of the tractor in the menu Truck Dealer → Upgrade.
5. If the power has not changed, make sure there are no conflicts with other mods (disable them one by one to check).
Test drive: which tractor will deliver cargo from Berlin to Rome faster?
To compare the power of tractors in practice, we conducted a test: transporting a 24-ton cargo from Berlin in Rome (distance ~1300 km) on three models: Volvo FH16 750, Scania R730 and DAF XF 530. Conditions: standard gearbox, speed 90 km/h, no mods. Results:
Parameter
Volvo FH16 750
Scania R730
DAF XF 530
Travel time (h:min)
14:20
14:05
14:50
Fuel consumption (l)
546
504
468
Average speed (km/h)
88
89
86
Number of refueling stops
3
2
2
The results were unexpected: Scania R730 came first, ahead of Volvo FH16 for 15 minutes, despite the lower power. Reason is the best fuel efficiency and less weight, which made it possible to stop at gas stations less often. But DAF XF 530, despite the modest 530 hp, showed better fuel consumption, but lost in speed.
For maximum profit choose Scania R730 — it combines high power and efficiency. If you need pure power for mountain routes, take Volvo FH16 750, but be prepared for increased costs.
Hidden parameters: what else affects power in ETS 2?
Many players overlook factors that indirectly affect the “power” of a tractor in the game:
- 🛠️ Engine condition - ETS 2 has a wear system. If the tractor is not maintained for a long time, its power may drop by 10-15%. Check the status in the menu
Service.
- 🌡️ Ambient temperature - in hot weather the engine loses up to 5% of power (this is noticeable in the DLC deserts Beyond the Baltic Sea).
- 🚛 Trailer type - heavy trailers (for example,
Schwarzmüller Mega) require more effort to accelerate, even with 750-horsepower tractors.
- 🛣️ Road quality — on gravel or wet surfaces, up to 20% of torque is lost due to slipping.
Also don't forget about driver skills. For example, correct gear shifting (using retarder) can save fuel and increase average speed by 5-7 km/h. And the ability to brake with the engine on descents saves the brake pads and increases safety.
Fun fact: ETS 2 has a hidden option engine_brake_efficiency, which determines how effectively engine braking works. U Volvo FH16 it is higher than other tractors, which makes it more stable on descents.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about tractor power in ETS 2
Is it possible to install an engine more powerful than 750 hp in ETS 2?
Not in the base game, but with the help of mods (eg. Jazzycat’s Engine Tuning Pack) you can accelerate the engines to 800-900 hp. However, such values are unrealistic and may break gameplay.
Which tractor is better for beginners: powerful or economical?
Recommended for beginners DAF XF 530 or MAN TGX 640. They are easier to operate, more economical and forgiving of mistakes in gear shifting. Powerful tractors (700+ hp) require experience, especially on mountain roads.
Does the color of a tractor affect its power?
No, it's a myth. Color is a purely cosmetic parameter. However, some mods (eg. Realistic Paint Jobs) add weight to the paint, but this is insignificant (up to 50 kg).
How to check the real power of a tractor in the game?
Go to the menu Truck Dealer → Upgrade → Engine. The exact characteristics are indicated there. A test site can also be used (e.g. Prague), measuring the acceleration time to 80 km/h with a load.
What mods best improve power?
Top 3 mods to increase power:
- Jazzycat’s Engine Tuning Pack - adds new engines.
- Realistic Physics Mod - changes the behavior of the transmission.
- Sound Fixes Pack — improves the sound of the engine, which helps to better “feel” the power.
Install them via Mod Manager to avoid conflicts.