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Power-to-Weight Ratio Formula:
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The power-to-weight ratio is a measurement of actual performance for any vehicle, calculated by dividing the power output by the weight (or mass) of the vehicle. It is a key indicator of acceleration performance and overall vehicle dynamics.
The calculator uses the power-to-weight ratio formula:
Where:
Explanation: This simple ratio provides a quick way to compare the performance potential of different vehicles, with higher ratios indicating better acceleration capabilities.
Details: The power-to-weight ratio is crucial for predicting quarter-mile times, acceleration performance, and overall vehicle dynamics. It's widely used in automotive engineering, racing, and performance tuning to compare vehicles across different weight classes.
Tips: Enter horsepower in hp and weight in pounds. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the power-to-weight ratio in horsepower per pound (hp/lb).
Q1: What is a good power-to-weight ratio?
A: For street cars, 0.08-0.12 hp/lb is considered good. Performance cars typically range from 0.12-0.20 hp/lb, while race cars can exceed 0.30 hp/lb.
Q2: How does power-to-weight affect quarter-mile times?
A: Higher power-to-weight ratios generally result in faster quarter-mile times. As a rough estimate, each 0.01 hp/lb improvement can reduce quarter-mile time by approximately 0.1-0.2 seconds.
Q3: Should I use curb weight or gross weight?
A: For performance calculations, use curb weight (vehicle weight with standard equipment and fluids). For practical applications, consider gross weight including passengers and cargo.
Q4: Can I use this for motorcycles?
A: Yes, the power-to-weight ratio calculation works for any vehicle type. Motorcycles typically have very high ratios due to their light weight.
Q5: How accurate is this for quarter-mile prediction?
A: While power-to-weight ratio is a good indicator, actual quarter-mile times also depend on traction, gearing, aerodynamics, and driver skill.