1. What is the Quarter Mile Time Equation?

The quarter mile time equation estimates a vehicle's elapsed time (ET) for a quarter mile drag race based on its weight and horsepower. It provides a theoretical performance benchmark for comparing vehicles.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the quarter mile time equation:

Where:

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

Explanation: The equation accounts for the power-to-weight ratio's cubic relationship with acceleration performance.

3. Importance of Quarter Mile Time

Details: Quarter mile time is a standard performance metric in motorsports, helping compare acceleration capabilities across different vehicles and configurations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter vehicle weight in pounds and engine horsepower. Both values must be greater than zero for calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a theoretical estimate. Actual times vary based on traction, gearing, aerodynamics, and driver skill.

Q2: What's a good quarter mile time?
A: Times vary by vehicle type. Street cars typically range 12-15 seconds, while purpose-built dragsters can achieve under 5 seconds.

Q3: Does this account for drivetrain loss?
A: No, use wheel horsepower for more accurate estimates as it accounts for drivetrain losses.

Q4: Can I use metric units?
A: The equation is designed for pounds and horsepower. Convert kg to lbs (1 kg = 2.20462 lbs) if needed.

Q5: Why the cube root relationship?
A: Acceleration depends on power-to-weight ratio, but elapsed time has a cubic relationship due to the physics of motion.