TIMETO 100

THE ACCELERATION GUIDE

A tenth only matters when the test does.

Acceleration figures look simple, but small differences in speed target, surface, weather and testing method can change the result.

What does 0–100 km/h measure?

A 0–100 km/h time records how long a stationary vehicle takes to reach 100 kilometres per hour. It is a useful snapshot of low-speed acceleration, traction, gearing and power delivery. It does not measure braking, cornering, comfort, efficiency or performance at higher speeds.

0–100 km/h is not the same as 0–60 mph

Sixty miles per hour equals 96.56 km/h, while 100 km/h equals 62.14 mph. A car reaches 60 mph first, so its 0–60 mph result will normally be quicker. Time to 100 does not convert a published 0–60 time by guessing the final 3.44 km/h.

Why the same car can produce different times

Tyre type and temperature, road surface, gradient, ambient temperature, fuel load, passenger weight, battery state of charge and vehicle options all affect a launch. Software modes and launch control can also change how quickly torque reaches the wheels.

Independent tests may use a short rolling start called rollout. Removing the first part of the launch makes the published time quicker, so a rollout result should not be treated as identical to a true standing-start result.

Manufacturer claim or independent road test?

A manufacturer claim is produced under conditions selected by the manufacturer and is useful for comparing variants within a model range. An independent instrumented test shows what a particular vehicle achieved on a particular day. Neither source is automatically perfect, which is why the index labels the evidence instead of blending the two.

Electric, hybrid and combustion cars

Electric vehicles can deliver maximum torque immediately and often use all-wheel drive, helping them launch strongly. Combustion cars may depend more heavily on engine speed, gear changes and turbocharger response. Hybrids combine both systems, but battery temperature and charge can materially affect repeat runs.

How to use the Time to 100 index

  1. Search for the exact make, model, year and variant.
  2. Check whether the number is a manufacturer claim or an independent test.
  3. Read any note about rollout, launch control or testing conditions.
  4. Compare like with like: the same speed target and broadly similar test method.
  5. Use acceleration as one part of a vehicle decision, not the whole decision.