The subject innovation relates to a control device for controlling the power of an engine, whereby the control device has a control range in which—with the drive train closed—neither a drive torque nor a braking torque is introduced, as well as to a control device for controlling the power of an engine, whereby the control device comprises a first control range in which the engine has a continuous braking torque, as a result of which the vehicle can be decelerated, and comprises a second control range in which the engine has a continuous drive torque, as a result of which the vehicle can be accelerated. In this process, assistance is provided for locating a third control range, whereby this third control range is situated between the first control range and the second control range.