1. What is Quarter Mile ET?

Quarter Mile Elapsed Time (ET) is the time it takes for a vehicle to complete a quarter-mile (1,320 feet or 402 meters) distance from a standing start. It's a standard measurement used in drag racing to evaluate vehicle performance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the quarter mile ET formula:

Where:

• \( ET \) — Quarter mile elapsed time (seconds)
• \( HP \) — Horsepower of the vehicle
• \( Weight \) — Vehicle weight in pounds

Explanation: This formula estimates quarter mile time based on the power-to-weight ratio, where higher power and lower weight result in faster times.

3. Importance of ET Calculation

Details: Quarter mile ET is crucial for performance evaluation, comparing vehicle capabilities, and understanding how power and weight modifications affect acceleration performance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter horsepower and weight in pounds. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator provides an estimated quarter mile time based on the power-to-weight ratio.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this ET calculation?
A: This provides a theoretical estimate. Actual ET depends on traction, gearing, aerodynamics, driver skill, and other factors.

Q2: What is a good quarter mile time?
A: Under 12 seconds is considered fast, under 10 seconds is very fast, and under 8 seconds is professional drag racing territory.

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 metric units?
A: This calculator uses pounds for weight. Convert kilograms to pounds by multiplying by 2.20462.

Q5: Why is power-to-weight ratio important?
A: Power-to-weight ratio is the primary determinant of acceleration performance, as it represents the force available to accelerate the mass.