Home
Back
Zero to Sixty Equation:
| From: | To: |
The Zero to Sixty Calculator estimates the time it takes for a vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph based on weight and horsepower. This performance metric is widely used in the automotive industry to compare vehicle acceleration capabilities.
The calculator uses the empirical equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation accounts for the cubic relationship between power-to-weight ratio and acceleration time, with the empirical constant derived from real-world performance data.
Details: The 0-60 mph time is a key performance indicator for vehicles, influencing consumer decisions, automotive reviews, and racing performance comparisons. It provides a standardized measure of acceleration capability.
Tips: Enter vehicle weight in pounds, engine horsepower, and the empirical constant (default is 5.825). All values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.
Q1: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides a reasonable estimate but actual performance may vary due to traction, transmission, aerodynamics, and driving conditions.
Q2: What is a good 0-60 time?
A: Sports cars typically achieve 3-5 seconds, family sedans 6-8 seconds, while economy cars may take 9+ seconds. Under 3 seconds is considered supercar territory.
Q3: Why use the cube root in the formula?
A: The cube root accounts for the non-linear relationship between power-to-weight ratio and acceleration time, as doubling power doesn't halve the time.
Q4: Does this account for drivetrain losses?
A: The empirical constant typically incorporates average drivetrain losses, but for precise calculations, wheel horsepower may be more accurate than engine horsepower.
Q5: Can I use this for electric vehicles?
A: Yes, but electric vehicles often achieve better times due to instant torque delivery, so results may be more conservative than actual performance.