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Power-to-Weight Ratio Formula:
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The Power-to-Weight Ratio (PWR) is a key performance metric that measures the amount of power (horsepower) available per unit of weight (ton). It's widely used in the automotive industry to compare vehicle performance capabilities, especially acceleration and overall dynamic performance.
The calculator uses the Power-to-Weight Ratio formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts weight from kilograms to tons by dividing by 1000, then divides horsepower by this value to get the power-to-weight ratio in horsepower per ton.
Details: Power-to-weight ratio is crucial for understanding vehicle performance. Higher PWR values generally indicate better acceleration and overall performance. It's used by automotive engineers, racing teams, and car enthusiasts to compare vehicles and predict performance characteristics.
Tips: Enter horsepower in hp and weight in kilograms. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will automatically compute the power-to-weight ratio in hp/ton.
Q1: What is a good power-to-weight ratio for a car?
A: For everyday cars, 100-150 hp/ton is typical. Sports cars range from 150-250 hp/ton, while supercars and hypercars can exceed 500 hp/ton.
Q2: Why is power-to-weight ratio important?
A: It directly affects acceleration and overall performance. A lighter car with the same power will accelerate faster than a heavier one.
Q3: How does PWR affect fuel efficiency?
A: Generally, higher PWR doesn't directly correlate with fuel efficiency, but lighter vehicles with adequate power tend to be more efficient than heavier ones.
Q4: Can I use different weight units?
A: This calculator uses kilograms. If you have weight in pounds, divide by 2.205 to convert to kilograms before entering.
Q5: Is PWR the only factor in vehicle performance?
A: No, other factors like torque, gearing, aerodynamics, traction, and drivetrain also significantly impact overall performance.