1. What is the 1/4 Mile ET Equation?

The 1/4 Mile ET (Elapsed Time) equation estimates the time it takes for a vehicle to complete a quarter-mile drag race based on its weight and horsepower. This provides a theoretical performance benchmark for comparing vehicles.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the 1/4 Mile ET equation:

Where:

• \( Weight \) — Vehicle weight in pounds (lbs)
• \( HP \) — Engine horsepower (hp)
• 6.29 — Empirical constant

Explanation: The equation accounts for the cubic relationship between power-to-weight ratio and elapsed time, with heavier or less powerful vehicles having longer ETs.

3. Importance of ET Calculation

Details: Quarter-mile time is a standard performance metric in motorsports, helping compare vehicle acceleration capabilities and predict drag racing performance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter vehicle weight in pounds and engine horsepower. Both values must be positive numbers for valid calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides a theoretical estimate. Actual ET depends on traction, gearing, aerodynamics, and driver skill.

Q2: What's a good 1/4 mile time?
A: Street cars typically range 12-16 seconds. Performance cars can be under 10 seconds. Top fuel dragsters do about 4.5 seconds.

Q3: Does this account for drivetrain loss?
A: No, use wheel horsepower for more accurate results rather than engine horsepower.

Q4: Can I use this for motorcycles?
A: Yes, but motorcycle ETs are often better than this formula predicts due to their superior power-to-weight ratios.

Q5: What about electric vehicles?
A: EVs may perform better than predicted due to instant torque delivery, especially at lower speeds.