A method and a device for predefining a torque output of a motor vehicle drive engine when switching over accelerator pedal characteristic curves. The method and the device determine a setpoint change in the acceleration that is intended to sense occur as a result of the switching over. The method and device determine a change in torque as a function of the vehicle mass and the determined setpoint change in acceleration. The method and device determine a difference output from the change in torque, by which difference output a setpoint drive output is changed from a first drive output to a second drive output when switching over.