The average WRC Rally car (based on 2010 spec rules) needs about 4.8 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph or 0 to 100 kmh. In comparison a high end open spec Rally Cross car (think of Ken Block and Xgames) can do it in a shockingly fast 2 seconds.

Yes that is Formula1 speeds – to avoid confusion, the rally cross car (which is different then a WRC rally car) is much lower geared and will not reach the top end speeds of an F1 car. However up to 60-70mph the Rally Cross car would be neck on neck with an F1 car before the rally car reaches the end of it’s gear ratios and the F1 car would pull away.

Those numbers are impressive, but what does it really mean? How far and how many feet or meter does such a car travel until it reaches 60mph or 100kmh ? And how does that compare to a Remote Control Rally car?

Here is the formula (mathematical equation) to calculate the distance the car needs to travel based on us knowing how many seconds it takes to reach 60mph or 100kmh.

Disclaimer: The equation assumes a constant acceleration curve – a “real” cars acceleration curve is not constant due to gear shifts and torque/rpm ratios.

Here is the Formula:

D = ((VF + Vo) * t) /2

D = Distance | VF = Final Speed | V0 = Initial Speed | t = Time elapsed

We know that the WRC Rally car needs 4.8 seconds for 0-60mph or 0-100kmh

D = We want to know | VF = 60mph or 1/60 miles per second | V0 = 0 mph | t = 4.8 seconds

D = ((0 + 0.01666666) * 4.8) / 2 = 0.04000 miles

D = 0.04000 miles = 211.20004 feet = 64 meters

Answer:

The WRC car will have traveled 211 feet or 64 meters before reaching 60mph or 100kmh

A 1/10 scale RC car should consequently need 21 feet or 6.4 meters to reach 6mph or 10kmh

Likely your RC car is much closer to the Rally Cross or Formula 1 car – do the math and be amazed a Rally Cross car or Formula 1 car will have likely reached 60mph or 100kmh before it reached the end of your driveway or backyard…!