I had this idea to calculate how much power an average car would need to qualify as a 10-second car. But the thing is that my calculations say that a car has to produce 686HP or more to perform as a 10-sec car, which sounds ridiculous. Can anyone help me out ??
My calcs
Distance travelled=1/4mile=402m. Let’s assume 400m for the sake of simplicity.
Using s=ut+1/2at^2, we get a(cceleration)=8m/s^2
Force=mass*acceleration=1600kg(Assumed to be the average mass of a car)*8m/s^2=12800N.
Work done=400m*12800N=5120000 J
Power=Work done/time taken=5120000/10=512000W=686HP
This is an idealised situation. Taking into account things like friction, drag force etc. etc. I think power required can easily cross 700HP or more.
Is this right ? I mean, does it really take 520KW to power a 10-second car ? That amount could power 100 average homes…