{"id":34995,"date":"2021-12-01T10:17:12","date_gmt":"2021-12-01T10:17:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dubizzle.com\/blog\/cars\/?p=34995"},"modified":"2021-12-01T13:36:46","modified_gmt":"2021-12-01T13:36:46","slug":"weight-power-ratio","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dubizzle.com\/blog\/cars\/weight-power-ratio\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Less Weight Mean More Engine Power?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Car enthusiasts look for many things when buying a car, from the vehicle\u2019s overall look to its technical details. An important technicality considered is about the engine\u2019s performance, which primarily depends on the weight to power ratio. This is where we use the weight to power ratio or PWR in cars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Weight to Power Ratio<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The
All vehicles have different engine weight and power levels <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s establish the basics to get a hold of the weight to power ratio concept. First of all, keep in mind that all vehicles have different power and weight figures (unless they have the exact engine with the same tuning). To simplify, let\u2019s break this down. For example, Ford Figo churns out 95 hp of power, has a 1.2 litre petrol engine and it weighs 1067 kgs (tentative).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, Tata Altroz has a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine that generates 100 hp max power and weighs 1130 kgs (tentative). Now, both these engines have almost similar displacement but the power figures differ. Car buyers will naturally pick the car with better performance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order to judge a car based on its performance, you need to figure out the weight to power ratio. We can calculate any vehicle\u2019s power to weight ratio by dividing the power of the vehicle by its weight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After you calculate this figure, the car with a higher ratio is the one with a more powerful engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Calculate Power to Weight Ratio <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Weight
Performance enthusiasts usually prefer cars with more engine power\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

To calculate the power to weight ratio, you need to be certain about the following steps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Know Your Car\u2019s Power Figures<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Auto manufacturers mention the vehicle\u2019s power figure (maximum power your car\u2019s engine can produce) on the brochure. The car engine will naturally not make the high power daily but you get the gist of its performance with the help of power figures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, if you can\u2019t find figures on the brochure, power figures for engines of different car models are available on the internet. In order to calculate the power to weight ratio, you should be sure of your engine\u2019s power figure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Know Your Car\u2019s Weight <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The second step is to know your car\u2019s weight. You can find the engine\u2019s weight on the car brochure or manual. If not, you can look for the weight figure of your car\u2019s engine on the internet.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please keep in mind that the curb weight is the weight that needs to be considered. Curb weight does not include the weight of the driver, passengers or luggage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Power to Weight Ratio Formula<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally, once you have both the figures, divide them to figure out which engine performs better. Calculate the weight to power ratio by dividing the engine power by the engine weight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Formula: P\/W <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s simplify this. Usually, a turbocharged V-8 diesel engine has an engine power of 250 horsepower and weight of 1,000 lb, dividing the two results in a power to weight ratio of 0.25 hp\/lb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another example: Dodge Viper with a 450 hp engine power and accelerate 3,320 lbs. of weight, results in a power to weight ratio of 0.135 hp per 10 lbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does Power to Weight Ratio Have to Do With Performance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Weight
Engines with higher horsepower offer more speed <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you are wondering that less weight means more engine power, it depends on what performance means to you. For performance enthusiasts, speed and acceleration matter the most. They will always prefer cars with higher hp because more horsepower = more speed.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But one must also take other factors into consideration, such as how a car handles different road conditions. However, as far as sheer acceleration ability and speed are concerned \u2013 the higher your PWR in car, the better. Under this context, an ideal performance car is one that is lighter in curb weight but higher in horsepower.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Car Brands with Substantial Weight to Power Ratios<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Following are some car models with substantial power to weight ratios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n