> >The HP requirements for non-accelerating vehicle on a flat road due >to simple aerodynamic loss is shown by this formula: > >HP = (C * A * V**3)/146625 Where: > C=Drag coefficient. An average car is around 0.35, but we will > use 0.50 for these calculations. > A=Car Frontal Area. I have an old 1971 Chevy Impala and it > measures out to approximately 30 sq.Ft. We will use that > number. > V=Velocity in MPH. > >Thus, for 75mph; HP = (0.50 * 30 * 75**3)/146625 = 43HP >For 60mph, HP = (0.50 * 30 * 60**3)/146625 = 22HP >For 55mph, HP = (0.50 * 30 * 55**3)/146625 = 17HP > >Of course that is not considering wheel losses or hills, but you can >see that the HP requirements for non-accelerating loads are >significantly smaller than you might think. It is very important to >note that the weight of the vehicle is NOT a factor in this formula. -- BillDube@killacycle.com