Which kind of car is faster,accelerates faster?

Question

A small japanese car with 200 horsepower or a big ford mustang with over 400 horsepower

Answer 1

Are you seriously asking this ???  A heavy car with 400hp that you got 2 stop at every gas station or a light car 200hp how about a light j*p car with 300hp thats more like it. But whatever floats your boat.

Answer 2

That depends on your preference.

It's torque and not power which drives the wheels and thus accelerates the car. Japanese cars with inline four engines have to be revved way above 7000 RPM to have high power and torque, but they stumble at low engine speed and near-idle speed cruising conditions. They can't shoot out from idle speed, thus you will have to rev them and start with a huge wheelspin and keep them in the narrow power band to get a good acceleration.

In contradiction, heavier american sports cars with V8 engines have a considerable amount of low speed torque, which guarantees a rapid acceleration in any gear. Also the power band of these engeines are wider, but they can't be revved in the high RPM ranges. You can make good starts from idling, which will prevent the wheels from spinning, thus they will get a good grip for acceleraion.

To compare the two classes, compare the power/weight ratios of both rides. The rice rocket can only beat the muscle car in acceleration if it'ratio is *much* higher (because they have poor torque in the low end). If they are somewhat equal, the muscle car takes the prize. Anyway, the latter will intoduce a much better driving experience, especially on twisty mountain roads :D.

I hope this helps you to choose ;D

Regards

Answer 3

The Mustang. V8's and torque will always rule.