Performance Calculator
Power-to-Weight Ratio Calculator
Horsepower alone doesn't tell the story — a light car with modest power can outrun a heavy one. See your ratio in every common unit plus where it lands on the performance scale.
Power & Weight
Add real-world load for a "with driver" figure.
Power-to-Weight
Genuinely quick
Pounds per HP
11.7 lb/hp
kW per Tonne
141 kW/t
HP per Pound
0.086
Rough 0–60
5.4 s
Why it matters
Two cars with the same horsepower accelerate very differently if one is lighter. Power-to-weight normalizes for that, which is why it's the number racers obsess over.
How it works.
Frequently asked questions.
Should I use crank or wheel horsepower?
Either works as long as you're consistent when comparing cars. Manufacturer figures are usually crank horsepower. Wheel horsepower (from a dyno) is lower because of drivetrain losses, so a wheel-hp ratio will look worse but reflects power actually reaching the road.
Does adding weight really hurt that much?
Yes. Since the ratio is power divided by weight, every pound you add — passengers, fuel, cargo, aftermarket parts — directly lowers it. This is why weight reduction is such a popular, cost-effective way to improve performance.
How accurate is the 0-60 estimate?
It's a rough guide derived from the ratio and typical traction. Real 0-60 also depends on gearing, tires, launch technique, and drivetrain type, so treat the figure as a ballpark rather than a tested number.