Knowing the power to weight ratio of a car allows you to estimate how fast the vehicle will accelerate. However, not everyone who will buy a car will consider this.
If you are a true car enthusiast, you must not only be concerned about the interior and exterior. But you must also consider the performance. So, you can decide whether the car is for you or not.
A car’s engine performance isn’t only measured with Power and torque when it comes to it. But it is also estimated with Power to Weight Ratio or PWR. Have you ever heard about this term? The Power to weight ratio is a measurement of the overall engine performance. The way to measure PWR is by dividing the Power released by the vehicle’s weight (ps/Kg). Shortly, it is for calculating the ratio of car weight to Power. In conclusion, PWR (Power to Weight Ratio) also plays an essential role in a car’s performance besides Power and torque.
15 Cars with Best Power to Weight Ratio
Here is a list of cars with the best power to weight ratio that you can buy:
Ford Mustang
Ford Mustang features an independent suspension to replace the old live axle in the rear end. The Mustang also introduces a turbocharged four-cylinder as an addition to the V8 and V6 engines.
Ford Mustang appears as a convertible, fastback coupe, and high-performance Shelby 350GT. This car has more interior spaces since it is now almost as big as a midsize Ford Fusion. Ford Mustang is 188.3 inches long on a 107.1-inch wheelbase. However, calling it 2+2 might be too much because only two small passengers can fit in the rear.
Ford Mustang offers excellent stability, control, and an option of 4 engines. The PWR varies based on the engine. The Mustang GT Coupe gets 204.0 W/kg on Power to weight ratio.
Dodge Challenger R/T
Dodge Challenger R/T is an excellent choice for you who are looking for an all-wheel-drive car with the best Power to Weight Ratio. This car is comfortable and stable. The all-wheel-drive system equipped in Dodge Challenger R/T successfully civilizes the car’s brutal nature.
The AWD system also allows the car to have an active transfer case and release the front axle.
This makes the Challenger becomes a rear-wheel-drive car in particular conditions, which helps save fuel. The Power can also be distributed exclusively to the front wheels if the situation requires so. The Power to weight ratio of this car is around 256.25 PS/tonne.
Nissan 370Z Nismo
The power-to-weight ratio for this sporty car is 0.1083. It can be said that Nissan 370Z Nismo is an icon. Nissan keeps improving the car without sacrificing its characters.
The engine of the car is mounted rearward. It is purposed to sharpen the handling and balance. The rear-wheel-drive featured is a kick. There is also a 6-speed manual gearbox or paddle-shifting 7-speed automatic. Both of them transmissions with downshift blipping.
Nissan 370Z Nismo has an EPA-estimated 21 miles per gallon Combined city and highway with the paddle-shifting 7-speed automatic. This car features a powerful V6 engine.
This version is 3.7 liters and able to produce 270 pound-feet of torque and 332 horsepower. There is also a version of the Nissan Nismo coupe that can make 350 horsepower.
Chevy Camaro 1SS
The Chevy Camaro 1SS has evolved and become more than a muscle car. The car has the strength of a muscle car combined with the moves of a sports car. With the Camaro, you can smoothly skim over the pavement. Three different engines are offered.
The first is a turbocharged four-cylinder that can produce 295 pound-feet of torque and 275 horsepower. It can launch the car to 60 miles per hour within 5.4 seconds.
The second is a 3.6-liter V6 that can produce 284 pound-feet of torque and 335 horsepower. And the last is a 6.2-liter V8 that can make 455 pound-feet of torque and 455 horsepower. The Camaro can blast from 0 to 60 miles per hour within 4 seconds with such an engine. The Power to weight ratio of this sporty Chevrolet is 202.0 W/kg.
Ford Focus ST
The Power to weight ratio of this Ford Focus ST is 128.0 W/kg. Focus RT is a compact car that you can handle well and bring to uptown. The car comes as a 5-door hatchback or 4-door Sedan.
It has several trims and powertrains that make it looks more appealing. The basic engine of the Ford Focus ST is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with variable valve timing and direct injection. It can produce 146 pound-feet of torque and 160 horsepower.
While the transmission is a 5-speed manual or 6-speed dual-clutch automatic, a turbocharged 3-cylinder is also available with a slight displacement of 1.0 liters. It makes 123 horsepower with the same torque.
Dodge Charger R/T
Dodge Charger R/T is a rear-wheel-drive sedan. It is like a comfortable and user-friendly old-school muscle car featured with modern technology. The vehicle also features an upgraded infotainment system with an improved touchscreen equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You will also find retro hounds-tooth upholstery and new wheels.
The basic engine of the Dodge Charger R/T is a responsive 3.6-liter V6, producing 292 horsepower. There are also other options available. Such as a 5.7-liter V8 that can make 370 horsepower, a 6.4-liter V8 producing 485 horsepower, and last but not least is a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that can produce 707 enormous horsepower. The Power to weight ratio of this legendary Street Racing Car is 247.23 PS/tonne.
Jeep Wrangler
Jeep Wrangler manages to keep its popularity because it is pure and highly sturdy. The car comes as a 2-door or 4-door Jeep. All Wranglers can accommodate five passengers, including the 4-door Wrangler Unlimited with more rooms in the rear since 20.6 inches longer.
Jeep Wrangler features LED headlamps, fog lamps, and a new model of Sports S. The Wrangler is capable of smoothly accelerating from 0 to 60 miles per hour within 7.7 seconds.
The car uses Chrysler’s powerful 3.6-liter V6, capable of producing 260-pound-feet of torque and 285 horsepower. It is combined with a 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed Mercedes-Benz automatic. The Power to weight ratio of this Wrangler is 120.0 W/kg.
Mini Cooper S Hardtop
The name Mini Cooper represents a popular range of an FWD compact car. Mini Cooper S Hardtop is fun to drive. It is suitable for you who are searching for a vehicle that brings individual styling with excellent handling. The basic engine of the Mini Cooper S Hardtop is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder capable of producing 189 horsepower.
Mini Cooper S Hardtop uses either an automatic transmission or 6-speed manual transmission. You should know that all models of Mini Cooper require premium gasoline. If you prefer the delightful drive, you might want to consider Mini Cooper S Hardtop 2-door. The Power to weight ratio of this Mini iconic compact car is 111.0 W/kg.
Fiat 124 Spider
Fiat 124 Spider has classic proportions, just like the name. The car features the turbocharged 1.4-liter engine that comes from the inventory of FCA or Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Just like Mazda Miata, Fiat 124 Spider has a 90.9-inch wheelbase. However, the 124 Spider is 5.5 inches longer and a little bit wider.
It can be shown on the scale. When around 100 pounds is added to Fiat, the car’s turbocharged engine works more quietly. Fiat 124 Spider has a longer hood, character lines on the side panels, a higher decklid, and a hexagonal upper grille that will bring you back to the original Fiat 124. The Power to weight ratio of this car is 151.8 hp/tonne
Ford Fiesta ST
Since it was launched a long time ago, the Ford Fiesta has been forming a different identity. Ford Fiesta ST is fun and expressive to drive. It is agile and fast. This car comes as a sedan or 5-door hatchback. The base engine of the Ford Fiesta is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that can produce 120 horsepower. It is not that quick but fast enough.
Ford Fiesta features a 5-speed manual transmission or 6-speed PowerShift automatic. The Ford Fiesta ST itself is even more spiritful thanks to a 1.6-liter EcoBoost twin-turbocharged four capable of producing 214 pound-feet of torque and 197 horsepower. The Power to weight ratio of this car is 119.0 W/kg.
Chevrolet SS
Chevrolet is beyond a muscle car. There are several new things featured in the vehicle. For example, the Teen Drive feature. With such a feature, parents will be able to spy on their kids. They will be able to know where their kids go and how fast they go. The quality is equipped for the sake of public safety.
There is also a new handling package. Chevrolet SS also features a turbo 4-cylinder and an 8-speed automatic. Moreover, the car also gets excellent fuel mileage. With the vehicle, you will be able to drive over the pavement smoothly. The Power to weight ratio of this car is 0.1134.
Hyundai Elantra Sports
Hyundai Elantra Sports has many improvements as well as fixes the previous so-so design. The designers of the car have picked and chosen the pieces that work best. Then, they combine them into a cohesive format. Hyundai Elantra Sports has a little bit of Jaguar on its headlights, Dodge Dart in front fenders and hood, and a bit of Mazda in how the front end comes together.
The ride of Hyundai Elantra Sports is better than the last Elantra. It features a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that can produce 132 pound-feet of torque and 147 horsepower. The Power to weight ratio of this sporty Sedan is 109.0 W/kg.
Mercedes GLA 45
The next is the Mercedes-Benz GLA 45. Mercedes GLA 45 is an all-wheel-drive 4matic car. It has many standard valuable features, such as driveline traction control, heated mirrors, 4matic all-wheel drive type, LCD monitor, front air conditioning, dual-zone automatic, and many more. It uses a 2.0-liter l-4 engine for producing 375 horsepower. It features a 7-speed auto-shift transmission. The Power to weight ratio of this sporty compact SUV is 178 W/kg.
VW Jetta GLI
VW Jetta GLI offers a good fuel economy, precise handling, and a spacious interior for a compact car. The car is upgraded to feature two-tone cloth upholstery, a rearview camera, and 16-inch wheels. The vehicle comes in one trim level. It uses a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 184 pound-feet of torque and 150 horsepower. The Power to weight ratio of this Sedan is 109.51 W/kg
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Mazda MX-5 Miata is a sports car that features a sleek design. It is an excellent choice for those who admire high performances. The roadster is powered by a 155-hp direct-injection SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine. The Power to weight ratio of this Japanese sporty cabriolet is 126.0 W/kg.
What is A Good Power to Weight Ratio for A Car?
An excellent Power to Weight Ratio for a car cannot be precisely determined because it depends on the Power released by the vehicle and the weight of the vehicle itself. In the PWR calculation, the higher the machine’s load, the heavier the device will work.
As said before, the Power to Weight Ratio is calculated by dividing the Power released by the car’s weight. And the result is ps/Kg. The bigger the hp number, the better the car’s performance. Why? Because it is related to car acceleration.
Is Power to Weight Ratio Important In Cars?
If you wonder whether it is crucial to consider the Power to Weight Ratio when buying a car, the answer is yes. You are highly suggested to ask the seller about the Power to Weight Ratio of the vehicle you are interested in buying.
Because PWR influences the vehicle’s performance, especially if you will use the car every day for a long trip, it will be better if you consider the PWR. This way, the engine of the car will not be easily damaged.
What are the Benefits of Better Power to Weight Ratio?
If you buy a car with a better Power Weight Ratio, there are some benefits that you can enjoy when you drive the vehicle. You will enjoy better passing ability, better acceleration, and better Power on wheels. This way, the engine of the car will not feel heavy. You can effortlessly drive the vehicle without feeling too heavy on the engine.
For your information, the Power to Weight Ratio also has effects on fuel consumption. If you want to reduce your fuel cost, it is a great idea to choose a car that has a better Power Weight Ratio. Better Power to Weight Ratio will help the car’s engine to be able to release its Power optimally. Since the engine has less load to haul, it will focus more on speeding up. You surely do not want a slow car, do you?
Final Word
Although the power to weight ratio can tell you about the Power of a car, they are just numbers, and there are still many factors that affect the overall performance. What do you think has more effect on car performance? Click share, so other people know this information. Thanks, have a beautiful day 🙂