NOUGHT-TO-SIXTY is the standard parameter we use to compare the acceleration of automobiles.
Here’s everything you need to know about calculating how long it takes your car to go from a standstill to travelling at 60mph.
2
How can I calculate my 0-60 time in a car?
Unless you have booked a test track and fancy yourself a racing driver, you should never try to work out how quickly your car can go from stationary to 60mph by empirical testing — as in doing it yourself.
Aside from safety, there are many variables for accurately calculating the 0-60, including:
- gearbox and transmission
- car aerodynamics
- atmospheric conditions
- centre of gravity
- driver skills
- tyre size and type
- road quality and wetness
- car chassis and suspension
- electronic aids and launch control
But thankfully there are a whole host of online calculators you can use to work out your 0-to-60, and you won’t need all of the complicated information stated above.
You will however still need some standard details about your motor.
All of the calculators work out the power-to-weight ratio, and so require the following:
- engine power
- vehicle weight
- type of drivetrain — the type of vehicle, gearbox, drive and engine
Why is a car’s speed calculated in 0-60?
If you are a fan of sports cars, you’re probably aware of the importance of the 0-60 acceleration measurement.
Working out how quickly a car can go from standing still to doing 60mph is the standard automotive performance indicator used in the UK and US — as well as a great many other countries.
Basically, it’s a great way of comparing the acceleration of different cars.
When it comes to a cars performance, a car’s acceleration is often considered more important than the top speed because it is a useful feature which is used in everyday situations — like fuel consumption and braking/cornering capacity.
2
What is the fastest 0-60 for a car?
According to Auto Express, the top 10 fastest accelerating cars in the world are as follows:
- Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 — 0-60mph in 1.66 seconds
- Aspark Owl — 0-60mph in 1.72 seconds
- Rimac Nevera — 0-60mph in 1.85 seconds
- Lucid Air Sapphire — 0-60mph in 1.89 seconds
- Koenigsegg Gemera — 0-60mph in 1.9 seconds
- Pininfarina Battista — 0-60mph in 1.9 seconds
- Tesla Model S Plaid — 0-60mph in 1.98 seconds
- Ultima RS LT5 — 0-60mph in 2.3 seconds
- Bugatti Chiron Super Sport — 0-60mph in 2.4 seconds
- Lamborghini Revuelto — 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds
What is the slowest 0-60 for a car?
Obviously, the slowest 0-60mph car is the one that breaks down before it reaches 60mph.
But in terms of fully functional vehicles, according to ZeroTo60Times.com the 1954 Fisher Volkswagen Beetle 1200 is the slowest accelerating vehicle of all time, doing 0-60mph in a leisurely 35 seconds.
And if you’re thinking it’s only ancient automobiles that are so sluggish, think again — the 2012 Mia Electric Car does 0-60mph in 30 seconds.
Ten things YOU should know as a car owner
To help you feel more confident as a car owner, here are ten things you should be familiar with about your vehicle:
