Power To Weight Ratio Formula:
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The Power To Weight Ratio (PWR) is a measurement of a vehicle's power output relative to its weight. It's a key indicator of a car's performance potential, with higher ratios generally indicating better acceleration and performance.
The calculator uses the simple formula:
Where:
Explanation: The ratio shows how much power is available to move each kilogram of the vehicle's mass.
Details: PWR is crucial for comparing vehicle performance potential. Higher PWR typically means better acceleration and hill-climbing ability, all else being equal.
Tips: Enter power in horsepower and weight in kilograms. Both values must be greater than zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: What is a good power to weight ratio?
A: For road cars, 0.06 hp/kg is decent, 0.1 hp/kg is sporty, and over 0.15 hp/kg is high-performance. Race cars often exceed 0.3 hp/kg.
Q2: How does PWR affect performance?
A: Higher PWR generally means better acceleration and higher top speed, though aerodynamics and gearing also play important roles.
Q3: Should I use metric or imperial units?
A: This calculator uses metric units (hp and kg), which is standard for PWR calculations in most countries.
Q4: Does PWR account for drivetrain losses?
A: No, PWR uses engine power figures. For wheel power figures, you would need to account for drivetrain losses (typically 10-15%).
Q5: How can I improve my car's PWR?
A: Either increase power (engine modifications) or decrease weight (lightweight components, removing unnecessary items).