This acceleration metric serves as the primary standard for evaluating vehicle performance in the United States and other imperial markets. It tests the engine's off-the-line power, transmission gearing, and tire grip. A sub-four-second time generally places a car in the high-performance or supercar category.
We need to log a few 0-60 runs to see if the new intake manifold actually improved low-end torque.
Manufacturers often quote 0-60 times with a one-foot rollout subtracted, which shaves about three tenths of a second off the true standing-start time.
Related terms
0-100
A metric measuring the time it takes a vehicle to accelerate from a standstill to 100 kilometers per hour.
0-60-0
A comprehensive test measuring the time or distance required to accelerate to 60 miles per hour and immediately brake to a halt.
Dyno
A dynamometer used to measure engine power and torque output.
Redline
To operate an engine at its maximum safe rotational speed.