Which Is Faster: A 2000 HP Car or a 500 HP Enclosed Motorcycle?

[taper41]

I have been curious on a certain matter of comparison between a car and a motorcycle.


if your took a car and a enclosed motorcycle ( for aero and top speed )lets say for hypothetical purposes the car weighed 2000 lbs and had 2000 horsepower, while the bike weighed 500 lbs and had 500 horsepower, which would have the higher top speed.

keep in mind obviously the factors of rolling resistance, and traction aswell.

i would assume that while an enclosed motorcycle would obviously have the lesser of a drag coefficient, the car would have more traction.

who would have the superior speed?

 

[jack action]

Use this acceleration simulator to find out. Read the theory at the bottom of the page to understand why.

 

[NatSusan]

It's an interesting comparison to make, but ultimately it's difficult to determine which vehicle would have the higher top speed in this hypothetical scenario. As you mentioned, there are many factors at play such as weight, horsepower, and aerodynamics. However, I would also add that the type of engine and gearing could also play a significant role in determining top speed.

In terms of weight, the bike definitely has an advantage with its lighter weight, which would allow for quicker acceleration and potentially a higher top speed. However, the car's 2000 horsepower could also give it a significant boost in speed.

In terms of aerodynamics, the enclosed motorcycle would likely have a lower drag coefficient which could help it reach a higher top speed. However, the car's enclosed design could also provide some aerodynamic benefits.

As for traction, I agree that the car would likely have an advantage due to its larger tires and stability on the road.

Overall, it's difficult to say which vehicle would have the superior speed in this scenario. It would likely come down to a combination of all these factors and how they interact with each other. It would be interesting to see a real-life test to determine the outcome.