Estimate a car’s 0-60 mph time from its weight, horsepower and drivetrain, or find the horsepower needed for a target 0-60 time, using a simple model.
Calculator Functions
The calculator gives an illustrative 0–60 mph time from weight, power and drivetrain, or the crank power its model links to a target time. It is a simple estimate, not a verified performance prediction. Select a function to open it in the calculator.
| Function | Use it when | You enter |
|---|---|---|
| Illustrative 0–60 mph time | You know the weight and power and want a model time | Weight, drivetrain assumption, rated power and where the power was measured |
| Power for a target 0–60 mph time | You have a time in mind and want the model’s crank power | Weight, drivetrain assumption and a target of at least 1.5 seconds |
Weight should include the driver and fuel, in lb or kg. Power can be entered in hp or kW. Results also show the weight-to-power ratio, power per US short ton and assumed wheel power.
0-60 Time Formulas
| t | 0–60 mph time (seconds) |
| K | Model coefficient: 0.76 for RWD, 0.70 for AWD, 0.80 for FWD |
| W | Vehicle weight (lb). 1 lb = 0.45359237 kg [1] |
| P | Crank horsepower. 1 hp ≈ 745.7 W [1] |
How the estimate works
This is a rule-of-thumb estimate. The 0.8 exponent and the K values are model assumptions, not published values. General physics supports the shape: time to a speed rises with weight over power, and tire grip limits the launch at low speed [2].
Illustrative 0–60 mph time
If you select Wheels, the calculator first converts wheel power to crank power with P = wheel power ÷ (1 − loss). The assumed loss is 15% for RWD, 20% for AWD and 12% for FWD. A 3,400 lb RWD car with 300 crank hp comes out at 5.3 seconds.
The 1.05 factor is an assumption, not a speed-unit conversion.
Power for a target 0–60 mph time
This rearranges the same model, then multiplies by (1 − loss) for assumed wheel power. A 3,500 lb AWD car with a 4.0 second target comes out at about 396 crank hp and 317 assumed wheel hp.
Limits of This Estimate
- The model does not simulate traction, gearing, aerodynamic drag, power delivery or shift timing, and no accuracy tolerance has been established. Grip, launch, surface and timing method can change real times substantially. These estimates are based on the best available data and estimations.
- Drivetrain settings choose the model coefficient and an assumed loss. Actual losses vary, and these percentages are not measured for your vehicle.
- Target times below 1.5 seconds are outside the supported model range, not a proven physical limit. A result does not show that a target is achievable or that a launch is safe.
Sources
- NIST, Guide to the SI (SP 811), Appendix B.8: pound and horsepower conversions
- Lin, The Inverse Velocity Force and Automotive Physics, Am. J. Phys., 2026: general physics of acceleration at constant power and the traction limit
