0-60 mph Explained
It's not just about horsepower. Learn about traction, tires, gearing, and why 0-60 times are becoming harder to improve.
Traction is King
You can have 1,000 horsepower, but if your tires can't grip the asphalt, you aren't going anywhere fast. This is why All-Wheel Drive (AWD) cars typically dominate 0-60 mph sprints compared to Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) cars of similar power.
Tip: Tire compound (summer vs. all-season) is often more important than adding 50 more horsepower.
Gearing Matters
How many times does the transmission need to shift to hit 60 mph? Every shift takes time (even with dual-clutch transmissions). A car that can hit 60 mph in 1st or 2nd gear will often be faster than one that requires a shift to 3rd gear right at 58 mph.
Launch Control
Modern fast cars use "Launch Control" systems to hold the engine at the optimal RPM before the car starts moving. This maximizes torque output without overwhelming the tires. It manages wheel slip hundreds of times per second.
The Electric Advantage
Electric vehicles (EVs) have instant torque. There is no engine to "rev up." This is why family EV sedans can now out-accelerate supercars from 20 years ago. They have 100% of their torque available from 0 RPM, and their traction control systems react faster than any internal combustion engine can.