1. What is Wheel Horsepower?

Wheel Horsepower (WHP) is the actual power that reaches the wheels after accounting for drivetrain losses. It's typically 10-20% less than crank horsepower (CHP) due to energy lost in the transmission, differential, and other drivetrain components.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the WHP equation:

Where:

• \( CHP \) — Crank horsepower (engine output)
• \( Drivetrain\ Loss \) — Percentage of power lost in drivetrain (as decimal)

Explanation: The equation accounts for power lost between the engine and wheels due to mechanical inefficiencies in the drivetrain system.

3. Importance of WHP Calculation

Details: WHP is more relevant than CHP for actual vehicle performance as it represents the power that actually propels the vehicle. It's crucial for performance tuning and comparing real-world vehicle performance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter crank horsepower in hp and drivetrain loss as a decimal (e.g., 0.15 for 15% loss). Both values must be valid (CHP > 0, drivetrain loss between 0-1).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's typical drivetrain loss for different vehicles?
A: Front-wheel drive: 10-15%, Rear-wheel drive: 15-20%, All-wheel drive: 20-25%. Actual loss varies by vehicle.

Q2: Why measure WHP instead of CHP?
A: WHP represents actual usable power at the wheels, which directly affects acceleration and performance.

Q3: How is WHP measured?
A: WHP is typically measured on a dynamometer, which measures torque and RPM at the wheels.

Q4: Does drivetrain loss change with power level?
A: Generally yes - higher power levels often experience slightly greater percentage losses.

Q5: Can WHP ever be higher than CHP?
A: No, WHP is always less than or equal to CHP due to unavoidable drivetrain losses.