About Quarter Mile Performance

The quarter mile (402 meters) is a standard measure of vehicle acceleration performance. It measures the time and speed at which a vehicle can cover a quarter mile from a standing start.

What Affects Quarter Mile Performance?

• Power-to-Weight Ratio: The most important factor - more horsepower and less weight means faster acceleration
• Drivetrain Type: AWD vehicles typically launch better than RWD or FWD
• Transmission Type: Modern DCTs and performance automatics shift faster than manual transmissions
• Tire Traction: Better grip means more power transferred to the ground
• Gearing: Appropriate gear ratios help keep the engine in its power band

Calculation Method

This calculator uses a simplified physics model that accounts for power-to-weight ratio, drivetrain losses, traction limitations, and gear ratios. It's designed to provide a reasonable estimate but may not account for all factors that affect real-world performance.

For more accurate results, consider using the Advanced tab to enter additional details about your vehicle.