Drivetrain Loss Calculator
Subtract Wheel Horsepower (WHP) from Engine Horsepower (EHP), divide by EHP, then multiply by 100 to express the loss as a percentage.
The Drivetrain Loss Calculator measures the percentage of power lost between the engine and the wheels due to friction and inefficiencies in the drivetrain. This calculation is crucial for understanding the performance of your vehicle, whether it’s a Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD), or 4-Wheel Drive (4WD).
Formula
DL =
| Variable | Definition |
|---|---|
| DL | Drivetrain Loss (as a percentage) |
| EHP | Engine Horsepower (measured at the crank) |
| WHP | Wheel Horsepower (measured at the wheels) |
Solved Calculations
Example 1
A car has an EHP of 500 and a WHP of 400.
| Variable | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Horsepower (EHP) | 500 HP |
| Wheel Horsepower (WHP) | 400 HP |
| Drivetrain Loss (DL) | 20% |
Example 2
A truck with an EHP of 600 and a WHP of 480.
| Variable | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Horsepower (EHP) | 600 HP |
| Wheel Horsepower (WHP) | 480 HP |
| Drivetrain Loss (DL) | 20% |
What is a Drivetrain Loss Calculator?
The Drivetrain Loss Calculator is a helpful tool designed to estimate the power lost between the engine crankshaft and the wheels due to drivetrain inefficiencies.
It accounts for variables such as drivetrain type (AWD, RWD, or FWD) and transmission style, enabling users to calculate the actual wheel horsepower (WHP) from engine horsepower (HP).
Drivetrain losses are typically represented as percentages, with AWD systems generally experiencing higher losses than RWD or FWD due to added mechanical complexity.
For instance, an AWD system may lose up to 25% of engine power, while RWD and FWD systems might lose around 15% and 10%, respectively.
The calculator simplifies this process by applying these percentages, making it easier to assess real-world vehicle performance.
This tool is particularly valuable for enthusiasts and mechanics looking to estimate horsepower at the wheels, whether for tuning, racing, or general performance evaluation.
Final Words:
In essence, the Drivetrain Loss Calculator provides a precise way to account for power losses, ensuring accurate assessments of a vehicle’s wheel horsepower. By offering clear insights, it supports better decisions in optimizing and understanding drivetrain efficiency.
