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1/4 Mile ET Equation:
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The 1/4 Mile ET (Elapsed Time) equation estimates the time it takes for a vehicle to complete a quarter-mile distance based on horsepower, weight, and a constant factor. This provides an approximate measure of a vehicle's acceleration performance.
The calculator uses the 1/4 Mile ET equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation calculates the elapsed time by taking the square root of the power-to-weight ratio multiplied by a constant factor that accounts for various vehicle and environmental factors.
Details: The 1/4 mile time is a standard performance metric in automotive racing and tuning. It helps evaluate a vehicle's acceleration capabilities and compare performance between different vehicles or modifications.
Tips: Enter horsepower, vehicle weight in pounds, and the constant factor. All values must be valid positive numbers. The default constant of 5.825 provides a reasonable approximation for most vehicles.
Q1: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides an approximate estimation. Actual performance may vary based on traction, transmission, aerodynamics, and other factors.
Q2: What is a typical constant (K) value?
A: The constant typically ranges from 5.7 to 5.9, with 5.825 being a common average value for most vehicles.
Q3: What are good 1/4 mile times?
A: Times vary by vehicle type: 14-16 seconds for average sports cars, 12-14 seconds for performance cars, and under 12 seconds for high-performance vehicles.
Q4: Does this account for drivetrain losses?
A: The calculation uses horsepower input. For more accuracy, use wheel horsepower rather than engine horsepower to account for drivetrain losses.
Q5: Can this be used for electric vehicles?
A: Yes, but electric vehicles may have different torque characteristics that could affect actual performance compared to the calculation.