Acceleration terms in plain English
0–100 km/h
The elapsed time from a stationary start until the vehicle reaches 100 kilometres per hour. It is equivalent to 0–62.14 mph, not 0–60 mph.
0–60 mph
A separate acceleration test ending at 96.56 km/h. It normally produces a quicker number than 0–100 km/h because the test finishes earlier.
Rollout
A timing convention that begins after the vehicle has already moved a short distance. Rollout reduces the published elapsed time and must be identified when comparing results.
Launch control
Software that coordinates engine or motor output, clutch or transmission behaviour and wheel slip to make a rapid, repeatable start.
Power-to-weight ratio
Vehicle power divided by mass. It helps explain acceleration once a car is moving, but does not capture traction, gearing or the shape of the power delivery.
Torque
Twisting force produced by an engine or motor. Wheel torque after gearing—and whether the tyres can use it—matters more to a launch than the headline engine figure alone.
Traction limit
The point at which the driven tyres cannot transmit more force to the road without slipping. More power will not shorten the launch unless grip or torque control also improves.
AWD
All-wheel drive. Driving both axles can improve launch traction, although the extra hardware also adds mass.
Trap speed
The vehicle speed measured at the end of a drag-strip distance. It is different from top speed and can reveal how strongly a car accelerates after the launch.
Top speed
The highest sustainable speed a vehicle can reach under suitable conditions. It may be electronically limited and is not predicted reliably by a 0–100 km/h result alone.
Instrumented test
A measurement made with timing equipment such as GPS or track sensors. The test vehicle, weather, surface, tyre condition and timing method should still be disclosed.
Manufacturer claim
A performance figure published by the vehicle maker. It is useful evidence when the exact variant and qualification are clear, but it is not the same thing as an independent road test.
A quick rule for reading any performance claim
Identify the exact car, the target speed, the start method and the evidence source. If one of those is missing, treat the final decimal place as presentation rather than certainty. A clearly qualified 4.1-second result is more useful than an unexplained 3.9.