Automotive
New Car Performance Calculator
Combine loaded mass with rated power and torque, then separate aerodynamic and rolling resistance at one entered road speed.
Modeled loaded mass (kg)-
Power-to-weight ratio (kW per tonne)-
Torque-to-weight ratio (N m per tonne)-
Road-speed reference (m/s)-
Aerodynamic drag force reference (N)-
Rolling resistance force reference (N)-
Road-load power reference (kW)-
Rated power minus road-load reference (kW)-
Decision view
Loaded vehicle road-force balance
Loaded vehicle road-force balanceLoaded mass, power-to-weight, aerodynamic force, rolling force, and steady-speed road load remain distinct.
Exact scenario comparisonRoad-speed reference (km/h) changes while all other entered assumptions remain constant.
| Road-speed reference (km/h) | Modeled loaded mass (kg) | Power-to-weight ratio (kW per tonne) | Torque-to-weight ratio (N m per tonne) | Road-speed reference (m/s) | Aerodynamic drag force reference (N) | Rolling resistance force reference (N) | Road-load power reference (kW) | Rated power minus road-load reference (kW) |
|---|
How to use New Car Performance Calculator
- Use realistic operating payload.
- Enter representative aerodynamic data.
- Compare road-load reference with usable wheel power, not only rated power.
Calculator guide
Understanding New Car Performance Calculator
Power-to-weight describes one vehicle relationship while steady-speed road load describes another; neither alone predicts acceleration.
Calculation method
How the calculation works
Combine loaded mass with rated power and torque, then calculate transparent aerodynamic and rolling road-load references at one selected steady speed. Add payload to curb mass, normalize power and torque per tonne, calculate aerodynamic force from speed squared, rolling force from loaded weight, and road-load power from total force times speed.
Vehicle interpretation
Read the forces at the selected speed
The visualization separates what the vehicle must overcome from the rating on the specification sheet.
Worked situations
Practical examples
- Aerodynamic force grows with speed squared.
- Road-load power grows even faster because force is multiplied by speed.
- Payload affects power-to-weight and rolling resistance.
Better inputs
Useful tips
- Test highway speeds separately.
- Use wheel-power data where available.
- Add grade and wind in a fuller model.
Before relying on the result
Limitations and common mistakes
- Gearing, drivetrain loss, battery limits, grade, wind, tires, traction, acceleration, temperature, and certification procedures are excluded.
- Rated power may not be available at the selected speed.
- This is not a performance test.
Reference
Key terms
- Power-to-weight
- Rated power divided by loaded mass in tonnes.
- Aerodynamic force
- Drag reference based on air density, area, coefficient, and speed squared.
- Rolling force
- Coefficient multiplied by loaded weight.
- Road-load power
- Aerodynamic plus rolling force multiplied by speed.
Important note
Calculated from the entered vehicle and operating values. Actual prices, financing terms, efficiency, maintenance, insurance, taxes, and resale outcomes can differ.
Frequently asked questions
Does power reserve predict acceleration?
No.
Why include payload?
It changes loaded mass and rolling resistance.
Does drag include wind?
No.
Is motor efficiency included?
No.