A tool designed to estimate the horsepower required for a vehicle to achieve a specified speed in an eighth of a mile. It leverages physics principles and factors such as vehicle weight, elapsed time, and aerodynamic drag to produce its estimation. For instance, providing the weight of a car and its time in an eighth-mile drag race allows the instrument to compute the approximate engine power output needed for that performance.
Such computations can be highly useful in automotive performance tuning and racing. They offer a method for assessing the effectiveness of modifications made to a vehicle’s engine or drivetrain. Historically, these calculations were performed manually using complex formulas. The advent of online tools and calculators has simplified the process, providing quick and easily accessible estimates for enthusiasts and professionals alike.