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Quarter Mile ET Equation:
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The Quarter Mile ET (Elapsed Time) equation estimates the time it takes for a vehicle to complete a quarter mile drag race based on weight and horsepower. This formula provides a theoretical estimate of drag racing performance.
The calculator uses the quarter mile ET equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation calculates the theoretical quarter mile time based on the power-to-weight ratio, with the cube root relationship accounting for the non-linear nature of acceleration.
Details: Quarter mile time is a standard performance metric in drag racing. It helps enthusiasts and racers estimate vehicle performance, compare different setups, and understand the impact of weight reduction or power increases.
Tips: Enter vehicle weight in pounds and horsepower. Both values must be positive numbers. The result provides an estimated quarter mile elapsed time in seconds.
Q1: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides a theoretical estimate. Actual quarter mile times can vary due to traction, gearing, driver skill, and other factors.
Q2: What is a good quarter mile time?
A: Times vary by vehicle type: 14+ seconds for average cars, 12-13 seconds for performance cars, 10-11 seconds for modified cars, and under 10 seconds for dedicated race cars.
Q3: Does this account for drivetrain loss?
A: No, this calculation uses raw horsepower. For wheel horsepower, you may need to adjust the input value accordingly.
Q4: Can I use this for motorcycles?
A: Yes, the formula works for any vehicle, though motorcycle times may differ due to different power delivery and traction characteristics.
Q5: What factors affect actual quarter mile performance?
A: Traction, aerodynamics, transmission type, shift points, tire pressure, track conditions, and atmospheric conditions all impact actual performance.