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Weight to Horsepower Ratio Formula:
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The weight to horsepower ratio is a key performance metric that measures the relationship between a vehicle's weight and its engine power output. It indicates how much weight each horsepower must move, directly affecting acceleration and overall performance.
The calculator uses the simple ratio formula:
Where:
Explanation: A lower ratio indicates better performance, as each horsepower has less weight to move. This ratio is crucial for comparing vehicle performance across different makes and models.
Details: The weight to horsepower ratio is one of the most important factors determining a vehicle's acceleration capabilities. It's widely used in automotive engineering, racing, and performance evaluation to predict how quickly a vehicle can accelerate.
Tips: Enter the vehicle's curb weight in pounds and the engine's horsepower. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the ratio in pounds per horsepower (lb/hp).
Q1: What is a good weight to horsepower ratio?
A: For performance cars, ratios below 10 lb/hp are excellent, 10-15 lb/hp is good, while ratios above 15 lb/hp indicate average or below-average performance.
Q2: How does this ratio affect acceleration?
A: Lower ratios generally mean faster acceleration. Each 1 lb/hp reduction can significantly improve 0-60 mph times and quarter-mile performance.
Q3: Should I use curb weight or gross vehicle weight?
A: For performance comparisons, use curb weight (vehicle weight without passengers or cargo). For real-world performance, consider adding typical load weights.
Q4: Can this ratio be used for electric vehicles?
A: Yes, the principle applies to all vehicles. Use the electric motor's horsepower rating and the vehicle's weight for the calculation.
Q5: How accurate is this ratio for predicting performance?
A: While it's a good indicator, other factors like transmission, traction, aerodynamics, and torque curve also significantly affect actual performance.