Why 0-100 km/h is overrated: focus on car elasticity and power
Car acceleration: why elasticity matters more than 0-100 km/h times
Why 0-100 km/h is overrated: focus on car elasticity and power
Experts say car elasticity, like 60-100 km/h acceleration, is key for real-world driving. Learn the simple power-to-weight formula for safe overtaking.
2026-02-24T06:02:22+03:00
2026-02-24T06:02:22+03:00
2026-02-24T06:02:22+03:00
When choosing a car, many buyers focus on the 0-100 km/h acceleration time. However, experts believe this metric is overrated. In real-world driving, elasticity—the car's ability to accelerate from 60 to 100 km/h—matters more.This range simulates overtaking on highways or merging onto fast roads. A good result falls between 5.5 and 8 seconds, which is sufficient for safely joining traffic flow.Power Isn't the Only FactorPerformance depends not just on horsepower but also on torque. Modern turbocharged small-displacement engines can deliver high torque at low RPMs, offering an advantage in daily driving.However, these engines require proper gearbox handling and don't always respond instantly to sudden throttle inputs.A Simple Power CalculationAuto expert Dmitry Novikov proposed a simple formula for minimum sufficient power: at least 20 horsepower should be available for every 250 kg of vehicle weight.Examples:A 1,000 kg car requires at least 80 hp.1,250 kg needs around 100 hp.1,500 kg calls for approximately 120 hp.1,750 kg should have about 140 hp.Novikov noted in an interview with SPEEDME that these are average values for comfortable and safe driving.Other ConsiderationsThe formula doesn't account for vehicle load. A family of four adds roughly 250–300 kg. Operating conditions also matter: flat terrain and mountain roads demand different levels of pulling power.In practice, modern cars with small engines often outperform sports cars from past decades. But when choosing, buyers should focus on the power-to-weight ratio rather than advertised 0-100 km/h times.Overall, the simple rule of 20 hp per 250 kg helps avoid purchasing a car that turns out too sluggish for your driving needs.
car acceleration, 0-100 km/h, elasticity, power-to-weight ratio, horsepower, torque, overtaking, driving safety, car buying tips, automotive performance
2026
Michael Powers
articles
Car acceleration: why elasticity matters more than 0-100 km/h times
Experts say car elasticity, like 60-100 km/h acceleration, is key for real-world driving. Learn the simple power-to-weight formula for safe overtaking.
Michael Powers, Editor
When choosing a car, many buyers focus on the 0-100 km/h acceleration time. However, experts believe this metric is overrated. In real-world driving, elasticity—the car's ability to accelerate from 60 to 100 km/h—matters more.
This range simulates overtaking on highways or merging onto fast roads. A good result falls between 5.5 and 8 seconds, which is sufficient for safely joining traffic flow.
Power Isn't the Only Factor
Performance depends not just on horsepower but also on torque. Modern turbocharged small-displacement engines can deliver high torque at low RPMs, offering an advantage in daily driving.
However, these engines require proper gearbox handling and don't always respond instantly to sudden throttle inputs.
Auto expert Dmitry Novikov proposed a simple formula for minimum sufficient power: at least 20 horsepower should be available for every 250 kg of vehicle weight.
Examples:
A 1,000 kg car requires at least 80 hp.
1,250 kg needs around 100 hp.
1,500 kg calls for approximately 120 hp.
1,750 kg should have about 140 hp.
Novikov noted in an interview with SPEEDME that these are average values for comfortable and safe driving.
Other Considerations
The formula doesn't account for vehicle load. A family of four adds roughly 250–300 kg. Operating conditions also matter: flat terrain and mountain roads demand different levels of pulling power.
In practice, modern cars with small engines often outperform sports cars from past decades. But when choosing, buyers should focus on the power-to-weight ratio rather than advertised 0-100 km/h times.
Overall, the simple rule of 20 hp per 250 kg helps avoid purchasing a car that turns out too sluggish for your driving needs.
