1. What is Wheel Horsepower?

Wheel Horsepower (WHP) is the amount of power that actually reaches the wheels of a vehicle after accounting for various parasitic losses in the drivetrain. It represents the usable power available to move the vehicle.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the WHP formula:

Where:

• \( Engine\ HP \) — The power produced by the engine at the crankshaft
• \( Parasitic\ Losses \) — Power lost in the drivetrain (transmission, differential, etc.)

Explanation: The equation subtracts all power losses between the engine and wheels from the engine's total output.

3. Importance of WHP Calculation

Details: WHP is crucial for understanding a vehicle's actual performance capabilities, as it represents the power that's truly available to accelerate the vehicle.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter engine horsepower and estimated parasitic losses in horsepower. Both values must be non-negative numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical parasitic losses?
A: For rear-wheel drive vehicles, expect 15-20% loss. Front-wheel drive typically loses 10-15%, while all-wheel drive may lose 20-25%.

Q2: How is WHP measured?
A: WHP is typically measured on a dynamometer, which applies resistance to the wheels and measures the force required to turn them.

Q3: Why is WHP lower than engine HP?
A: Power is lost through friction in the transmission, driveshaft, differential, and other drivetrain components before reaching the wheels.

Q4: Can WHP be higher than engine HP?
A: Normally no, unless there's an error in measurement or the engine HP rating is conservative.

Q5: How can I reduce parasitic losses?
A: Using high-quality lubricants, lightweight components, and efficient drivetrain designs can help minimize power losses.