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Quarter-Mile Elapsed Time Equation:
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The Quarter-Mile Elapsed Time equation estimates the time it takes for a vehicle to complete a quarter-mile (1,320 feet) drag race based on weight and horsepower. This formula provides a theoretical performance benchmark for drag racing vehicles.
The calculator uses the quarter-mile elapsed time equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation demonstrates the cubic relationship between power-to-weight ratio and elapsed time, showing how significant weight reduction and power increases affect drag racing performance.
Details: Quarter-mile time is a standard performance metric in drag racing that helps racers compare vehicle performance, optimize setups, and predict race outcomes. It's crucial for tuning and vehicle development.
Tips: Enter vehicle weight in pounds and engine horsepower. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator provides theoretical elapsed time in seconds.
Q1: How accurate is this equation for real-world racing?
A: This provides a theoretical baseline. Actual times vary based on traction, aerodynamics, transmission efficiency, and driver skill.
Q2: What are typical quarter-mile times for different vehicle types?
A: Street cars: 12-16 seconds, sports cars: 10-12 seconds, dragsters: 4-7 seconds, with professional Top Fuel dragsters achieving under 4 seconds.
Q3: Does this account for drivetrain losses?
A: No, this uses engine horsepower. For wheel horsepower, multiply by approximately 0.85 for rear-wheel drive vehicles to account for drivetrain losses.
Q4: How does weight reduction affect quarter-mile time?
A: Significant impact. Reducing weight by 10% typically improves ET by approximately 3-4%, demonstrating the importance of power-to-weight ratio.
Q5: What other factors influence quarter-mile performance?
A: Traction, tire compound, launch technique, shift points, aerodynamics, and weather conditions all significantly affect actual performance.