Home
Back
Wallace Formula:
| From: | To: |
The Wallace Quarter Mile Formula is an empirical equation used to estimate the elapsed time (ET) for a vehicle to complete a quarter-mile drag race. It provides a theoretical prediction based on the vehicle's weight and horsepower.
The calculator uses the Wallace formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula demonstrates the cubic relationship between power-to-weight ratio and quarter-mile performance, showing how small changes in either weight or horsepower can significantly affect ET.
Details: Quarter-mile time is a standard performance metric in motorsports that helps racers and enthusiasts evaluate vehicle performance, compare different setups, and predict race outcomes.
Tips: Enter vehicle weight in pounds and horsepower in hp. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator provides an estimated quarter-mile elapsed time in seconds.
Q1: How accurate is the Wallace formula?
A: The Wallace formula provides a good theoretical estimate but actual performance may vary due to traction, aerodynamics, transmission efficiency, and driver skill.
Q2: What is considered a good quarter-mile time?
A: For street-legal production cars, times under 13 seconds are considered fast, while professional dragsters can achieve times under 6 seconds.
Q3: Does this account for driver weight?
A: The formula uses total vehicle weight, so driver weight should be included if calculating for a specific run with driver.
Q4: What about different types of horsepower?
A: The formula typically uses wheel horsepower, but can be adjusted for different horsepower measurements (crank HP, etc.) with appropriate correction factors.
Q5: Can this formula be used for motorcycles?
A: Yes, the formula works for any vehicle type as long as accurate weight and horsepower figures are used, though motorcycle aerodynamics may affect real-world results.