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. In this article, we will cover how the power-to-weight ratio of a car is calculated, provide examples, and discuss methods to increase 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.
How to Calculate Power to Weight Ratio
Here is a simple formula to find a car's 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.
Power-to-weight ratio = Power / Weight
Example of Power to Weight Ratio
Consider two cars. 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
To improve the power-to-weight ratio, you can:
- 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.
Conclusion
Awareness of the power-to-weight ratio helps you understand your vehicle better and has the potential to elevate your car’s performance. A good way to ensure caution and safety is by purchasing comprehensive four wheeler insurance that covers unexpected problems that may arise.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and 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.