Automotive
Horsepower and kilowatt converter
Convert power between kilowatts, mechanical horsepower and metric horsepower.
Calculators / Automotive / Vehicle power-to-weight ratio
Vehicle power-to-weight ratio calculator
Compare vehicles using the same power and mass basis.
On this page
Power-to-weight100kW/tonne
Mechanical horsepower per tonne134.1hp/tonne
Metric horsepower per tonne135.96PS/tonne
Calculator controls
How to calculate
Compare vehicles using the same power and mass basis.
Power-to-weight = power in kW ÷ mass in kg × 1000.
Worked example
Example inputs
Power (kW): 150 · Vehicle mass including load (KG): 1500
Example resultPower-to-weight: 100 kW/tonne · Mechanical horsepower per tonne: 134.10221 hp/tonne · Metric horsepower per tonne: 135.96216 PS/tonne
Assumptions and limits
Compare vehicles using the same power and mass basis. Distinguish wheel power from engine power, and curb mass from loaded mass. The ratio does not predict acceleration or top speed.
Results are rounded for display; calculations use unrounded values. Read our calculation methodology.
Understanding the result
Compare vehicles using the same power and mass basis. Distinguish wheel power from engine power, and curb mass from loaded mass. The ratio does not predict acceleration or top speed.
When this tool is useful
Power-to-weight = power in kW ÷ mass in kg × 1000.
Understanding your inputs
| Input | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Power (kW) | Enter a number of at least 0 and no more than 1000000000000. |
| Vehicle mass including load (kg) | Enter a number of at least 0.001 and no more than 1000000000000. |
Frequently asked questions
Can I compare power-to-weight figures from two listings directly?
Only when both use the same basis: engine or wheel power and curb or loaded mass. A higher ratio alone does not account for gearing, traction or the shape of the power curve.