why some cars with a higher top speed then another can be slower accelerating?

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why some cars with a higher top speed then another can be slower accelerating?

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3 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Top speed is going to be a function of engine power and aerodynamics; initial acceleration is going to be based on engine power and weight (and possibly other factors like gear ratios).

Think about a rocket launching, and nearby a person firing a gun into the air. The bullet accelerates much faster in the barrel, but then immediately begins slowing down from drag. The rocket takes longer to get going, but it continues building speed as it goes.

Anonymous 0 Comments

In addition to engine power there’s also the matter of weight and aerodynamics. Good aerodynamics gives better top speed but doesn’t do much for acceleration. High weight hurts acceleration but doesn’t mean much for top speed.

Anonymous 0 Comments

Torque is what gets a car off the line quicker, but HP is what makes a car “go faster”. High torque/low HP vehicles are good for towing. High HP/low torque cars usually have higher top speed.