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.
How to compare 0–100 times fairly
Start by matching the year, engine or motor, drivetrain and transmission. A model badge alone is often too broad: an all-wheel-drive performance version may have a very different launch from a rear-wheel-drive or entry version sold under the same name. Then check whether the figure is a manufacturer claim or an instrumented test, and whether the source says rollout or launch control was used.
For a quick physics view of any published number, use the 0–100 acceleration calculator. For definitions that commonly change a comparison, including rollout, trap speed and traction, see the car acceleration glossary.
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.
What a quick acceleration time does and does not tell you
A fast 0–100 result can reflect strong power, traction and launch calibration, but it is only one part of a car’s character. It cannot show how repeatedly the car performs, how it rides, brakes or corners, what it costs to insure, or how it behaves with passengers, a low battery or changing weather. Use the number to create a shortlist, then compare the exact source evidence and the ownership factors that matter to you.
The fastest-cars guide shows why headline figures need qualifications, while the data methodology explains how Time to 100 separates published claims from independently tested results.
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
- Search for the exact make, model, year and variant.
- Check whether the number is a manufacturer claim or an independent test.
- Read any note about rollout, launch control or testing conditions.
- Compare like with like: the same speed target and broadly similar test method.
- Use acceleration as one part of a vehicle decision, not the whole decision.