1. What is Power-to-Weight Ratio?

Definition: The power-to-weight ratio measures a vehicle's performance by comparing its power output to its weight.

Purpose: It helps evaluate a car's acceleration and overall performance potential, as lighter cars with more power generally perform better.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( \text{HP/W} \) — Power-to-weight ratio (horsepower per pound)
• \( \text{HP} \) — Engine horsepower
• \( \text{W} \) — Vehicle weight in pounds

Explanation: The formula divides the engine's horsepower by the vehicle's weight to determine how much power is available to move each pound of weight.

3. Importance of Power-to-Weight Ratio

Details: A higher ratio generally means better acceleration and performance. This metric is crucial for comparing vehicles of different sizes and power outputs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the vehicle's horsepower and weight in pounds. Both values must be greater than zero. The result shows horsepower per pound.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a good power-to-weight ratio for a car?
A: Generally, 0.06 HP/lb is decent, 0.08 HP/lb is good, and 0.10+ HP/lb is excellent for street cars.

Q2: Should I use curb weight or gross weight?
A: For performance comparisons, use curb weight (vehicle weight without passengers or cargo).

Q3: How does this compare to kg/kW metric?
A: 1 HP/lb ≈ 1.65 kg/kW. Lower kg/kW numbers indicate better performance (opposite of HP/lb).

Q4: Does this account for drivetrain loss?
A: No, this uses engine horsepower. For wheel horsepower, use dyno measurements.

Q5: How can I improve my car's power-to-weight ratio?
A: Either increase horsepower (engine modifications) or reduce weight (lightweight components).