1. What is the Quarter Mile ET Equation?

The Quarter Mile ET (Elapsed Time) equation estimates the time it takes for a vehicle to complete a quarter mile drag race based on its weight and horsepower. This formula provides a theoretical estimation of drag racing performance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Quarter Mile ET equation:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Vehicle weight in pounds (lb)
• \( HP \) — Horsepower (HP)

Explanation: The equation demonstrates the cubic relationship between power-to-weight ratio and elapsed time, where better (lower) ET is achieved with higher horsepower and lower weight.

3. Importance of ET Calculation

Details: Accurate ET estimation is crucial for drag racing enthusiasts and professionals to predict vehicle performance, compare different setups, and optimize power-to-weight ratios for competitive racing.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter vehicle weight in pounds and horsepower. All values must be valid (weight > 0, HP > 0). The result provides the estimated quarter mile elapsed time in seconds.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this ET estimation?
A: This provides a theoretical estimation. Actual ET can vary based on traction, aerodynamics, transmission efficiency, and driver skill.

Q2: Does this equation account for torque?
A: While horsepower is used directly, torque is inherently considered since horsepower is derived from torque and RPM (HP = Torque × RPM / 5252).

Q3: What is considered a good quarter mile ET?
A: For street cars, 12-14 seconds is good. Professional drag cars can achieve under 7 seconds. The world record is around 3.5 seconds.

Q4: Can I use this for motorcycles?
A: Yes, the equation works for any vehicle, though motorcycle aerodynamics and weight distribution may affect actual results.

Q5: How does weight reduction affect ET?
A: Reducing weight improves ET significantly. A 10% weight reduction typically improves ET by approximately 3-4%.