1. What is Pounds Per Horsepower?

Pounds per horsepower (lb/hp) is a measurement of a vehicle's power-to-weight ratio. It indicates how many pounds of vehicle weight each horsepower must move, providing insight into potential performance characteristics.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( Weight \) — Total vehicle weight in pounds (lb)
• \( HP \) — Engine horsepower (hp)

Explanation: Lower values indicate better performance potential as each horsepower has less weight to move.

3. Importance of Power-to-Weight Ratio

Details: The power-to-weight ratio is a key performance metric in automotive engineering. It directly affects acceleration, top speed, and overall vehicle dynamics. Vehicles with lower lb/hp ratios typically have better acceleration and performance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the vehicle's total weight in pounds and its engine horsepower. Both values must be greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good lb/hp ratio?
A: For passenger cars, 10-15 lb/hp is considered good performance. Sports cars often achieve 6-10 lb/hp, while supercars may be under 5 lb/hp.

Q2: How does this compare to hp/liter?
A: While hp/liter measures engine efficiency, lb/hp measures actual vehicle performance potential by considering weight.

Q3: Should I include driver weight?
A: For most accurate performance estimates, include the weight of the driver and any passengers/cargo.

Q4: Can I use this for electric vehicles?
A: Yes, the calculation works the same for EVs - just use the motor's horsepower rating.

Q5: How does this relate to 0-60 mph times?
A: While not the only factor, lower lb/hp ratios generally correlate with faster acceleration times.