Updated on - 30 Dec 2025
Are you planning to buy a new car? Don’t forget to check the vehicle’s power-to-weight ratio. This factor is crucial to the car’s performance. The car needs power according to the weight it has to tow. So, the higher the power, the more easily it accelerates. That’s why several car owners consider the power-to-weight ratio before investing in a vehicle. So, how is this ratio calculated, and what are the best ways to increase it?
This article explains how to calculate a car’s power-to-weight ratio, includes practical examples and outlines effective ways to improve it.
What is the power-to-weight ratio?
One key term to consider when selecting the best-performing car is the power-to-weight ratio. In simple terms, it is the amount of power a vehicle has relative to its weight. This ratio serves as an indicator of the vehicle's strength.
Cars have different engines and tunings, and knowing the power-to-weight ratio helps easily compare two vehicles. A higher power-to-weight ratio means the car’s engine has more power, offering faster acceleration and a more agile performance.
How to calculate the power-to-weight ratio
All you need is your car's power output value and its weight, both of which can be found in the car’s brochure. The power is divided by the car's weight to determine the power-to-weight ratio.
Here is a simple formula to find a car’s power-to-weight ratio:
Power-to-weight ratio = Power / Weight
Example of power-to-weight ratio
Consider two cars to understand this power-to-weight ratio measurement.
The first car has a power output of 100 hp, and the second one has 95 hp. The first car weighs 1.13 tons, and the second weighs 1.067 tons. Now, let’s calculate their power-to-weight ratio by dividing each car’s power output by its weight.
Here’s what you get:
Power-to-weight ratio of the first car = 100 hp / 1.13 tons = 88.49 hp/ton
Power-to-weight ratio of the second car = 95 hp / 1.067 tons = 89.03 hp/ton
The power-to-weight ratio of the first car is 88.49 hp/ton, while that of the second car is 89.03 hp/ton. The difference is minimal, but the second car still stands out in performance.
How to increase power-to-weight ratio
The owner can improve the power-to-weight ratio by increasing the engine power output and decreasing the load. Here are the best tips to increase the ratio and enhance the car’s performance:
- Reduce the weight of your car
- Keep the engine well-maintained
- Use high-performance air filters for better engine efficiency
- Use additives and synthetic lubricants to keep your car’s engine in great condition
- Improve the exhaust gas flow to boost the power output
- Remap the Electronic Control Unit for better engine performance
Factors affecting the power-to-weight ratio in vehicles
Although the power-to-weight ratio is fundamentally dependent on the vehicle’s horsepower and body weight, several other factors influence it:
1. Engine design
The air-fuel ratio, ignition timing and compression ratio affect the amount of power an engine can produce.
2. Component weight
Light engine parts, materials, wheels and seats can affect the payload, and ultimately its power output.
3. Payload
The amount of cargo and the number of passengers can affect the vehicle’s weight and reduce its power-to-weight ratio.
4. Handling
A poor driving pattern can affect how much power a car needs to move itself. Although it doesn’t affect the power-to-weight ratio directly, it can prevent the driver from using the vehicle’s power.
5. Aerodynamics
The shape of the vehicle affects its aerodynamic drag ability. An aerodynamic design helps maintain a stable speed with minimal power.
Why power-to-weight ratio matters for car insurance premiums
The power-to-weight ratio is one of the factors to influence the performance of a car. A higher ratio means the vehicle can comfortably handle higher speeds and acceleration. But it also increases the chances of accidents. Insurers use it to assess your risk profile, which can ultimately affect your car insurance policy premium. That’s why it is best to determine the power-to-weight ratio so you know what to expect from a comprehensive car insurance plan.
Conclusion
Awareness of the power-to-weight ratio helps you understand your vehicle better and has the potential to elevate your car’s performance. Improving your driving habits, reducing load and ensuring timely service can help keep the vehicle in optimal condition. Even with careful maintenance, unexpected issues can occur at any time. A good way to ensure financial protection is by purchasing car insurance online that covers unexpected problems that may arise. If you need personalised insurance advice, fill out the form provided on this page.
FAQs
1. Which car has the best power-to-weight ratio?
Some of the cars with the best power-to-weight ratio are the Hyundai Verna Turbo, the Tata Altroz and the Kia Seltos.
2. What is the ideal power-to-weight ratio for a car?
The basic range for city and highway driving should be 70 to 90 hp/ton.
3. What does the power-to-weight ratio tell you about your car?
The ratio tells you how much power a car needs to push its weight. A higher ratio indicates the car is powerful enough to tow a heavy load.
4. Can you improve the power-to-weight ratio?
Yes, engine maintenance, ECU remapping and improved driving habits can increase the power-to-weight ratio.
5. Does power-to-weight ratio affect a car’s top speed?
The ratio doesn’t directly affect the top speed, but it changes the time a car takes to reach that speed.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the relevant industry. It is advised to verify the relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.