The power-to-weight ratio is a crucial performance metric in the automotive world, often used to determine a car’s sportiness. This ratio is calculated by dividing the weight of a vehicle by its power output, effectively indicating how much weight each unit of horsepower has to move.
The lower the ratio, the more performance-oriented the car is. Hypercars, known for their exceptional speed and agility, frequently achieve remarkably low power-to-weight ratios, sometimes dipping below 1 kilogram per metric horsepower (kg/PS).
In this article, we will explore the top ten cars with the best power-to-weight ratios, including their performance figures and engineering marvels.
1. SSC Tuatara – The Absolute Champion
The SSC Tuatara currently holds the record for the best power-to-weight ratio among street-legal cars, with an astonishing 0.70 kg/PS. This lightweight hypercar boasts a dry weight of just 1,274 kg while producing an incredible 1,774 PS (1,750 bhp). As a result, it can achieve a top speed of 475 km/h (295 mph) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 2.6 seconds.
The power comes from a 5.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, developed in collaboration with Nelson Racing Engines, and is transmitted to the rear wheels via a seven-speed robotic gearbox.
2. Hennessey Venom F5 – American Muscle Redefined
The Hennessey Venom F5 follows closely with a power-to-weight ratio of 0.73 kg/PS. Weighing 1,360 kg dry, the Revolution version of this hypercar produces an astonishing 1,842 PS (1,817 bhp).
With a projected top speed exceeding 500 km/h (311 mph) and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 2.6 seconds, the Venom F5 is engineered for extreme performance. Its powerplant is a twin-turbocharged 6.6-liter V8 engine generating 1,617 Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed semi-automatic transmission.
3. Zenvo Aurora Tur – A New Hybrid Contender
Denmark’s Zenvo Aurora Tur is a fresh entry into the hypercar scene, featuring a power-to-weight ratio of 0.77 kg/PS. This hybrid hypercoupé weighs just 1,450 kg and generates a staggering 1,876 PS (1,850 bhp).
Capable of reaching 450 km/h (280 mph) and sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in only 2.3 seconds, the Aurora Tur is a serious competitor. The car is powered by a quad-turbocharged 6.6-liter V12 engine combined with three electric motors, making it one of the most advanced hypercars to date.
4. Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut – Pushing Boundaries
Swedish automaker Koenigsegg enters the list with the Jesko Absolut, boasting a power-to-weight ratio of 0.79 kg/PS. With a dry weight of 1,290 kg and a maximum power output of 1,625 PS (1,602 bhp), this hypercar is engineered for ultimate speed.
Koenigsegg claims it could reach a theoretical top speed of 531 km/h (330 mph), though real-world testing is yet to confirm this. The vehicle is equipped with a 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine and a nine-speed multi-clutch Light Speed Transmission (LST).
5. Deus Vayanne – The Electric Beast
The Austrian-built Deus Vayanne represents electric hypercars in this ranking, achieving a power-to-weight ratio of 0.80 kg/PS. Despite its weight of 1,810 kg, the Vayanne produces a record-breaking 2,243 PS (2,212 bhp).
This electric beast is expected to exceed 400 km/h (249 mph) and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 1.99 seconds. It features three electric motors delivering 2,040 Nm of torque, powered by an 85 kWh battery, promising a 500 km (311-mile) range.
Also Read: 10 Cars That Depreciate the Fastest and Lose Value Quickly Over Time
6. Koenigsegg Gemera HV8 – The Ultimate Hybrid
Koenigsegg appears again with the Gemera HV8, the world’s most powerful road-legal car, boasting 2,333 PS (2,300 bhp) and a weight of 2,090 kg, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 0.89 kg/PS.
This four-seater hypercar is capable of reaching nearly 400 km/h (249 mph) and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 1.9 seconds. It is powered by a 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine paired with an advanced hybrid system called Dark Matter E-motor, producing an astonishing 2,750 Nm of torque.
7. Czinger 21C – Hybrid Innovation
The Czinger 21C, an American hybrid hypercar, earns its place on this list with a power-to-weight ratio of 0.90 kg/PS. Weighing 1,240 kg dry and generating 1,368 PS (1,350 bhp), this car is designed for extreme speed.
It can reach a top speed of 452 km/h (280 mph) and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 1.9 seconds. Its hybrid system consists of a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V8 engine and two electric motors powering the front wheels, mated to a seven-speed sequential gearbox.
8. Lotus Evija – Electrifying Performance
The Lotus Evija, the first all-electric Lotus, achieves a power-to-weight ratio of 0.92 kg/PS. Weighing 1,887 kg and producing 2,039 PS (2,012 bhp), this hypercar is built for both speed and sustainability.
Its top speed is electronically limited to 349 km/h (217 mph), and it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in under three seconds. Power is derived from four electric motors, one per wheel, combined with a 70 kWh battery system.
9. Koenigsegg CC850 – Classic and Powerful
The Koenigsegg CC850, another Swedish marvel, boasts a perfect 1.00 kg/PS power-to-weight ratio. Producing 1,385 PS (1,367 bhp) and weighing the same amount in kilograms, this hypercar blends classic styling with cutting-edge technology.
Despite its minimalist aerodynamics, it can exceed 480 km/h (300 mph) and go from 0 to 100 km/h in around 2.8 seconds, powered by a 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine paired with a unique Light Speed Transmission featuring a real manual gear lever.
10. Aspark Owl – The Japanese Lightning Bolt
Rounding out the top ten is the Aspark Owl, a Japanese electric hypercar with a power-to-weight ratio of 1.01 kg/PS. Weighing 2,000 kg and producing 2,012 PS (1,985 bhp), the Owl is among the fastest electric cars ever built.
It has a top speed of 413 km/h (257 mph) and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a blistering 1.91 seconds. Its four electric motors deliver 1,920 Nm of torque, making it a true powerhouse.
The power-to-weight ratio is a defining characteristic of high-performance cars, enabling hypercars to achieve extraordinary speeds and acceleration times. While internal combustion engines continue to push the limits, hybrid and electric vehicles are rapidly catching up, demonstrating the future potential of automotive engineering.
The race for the best power-to-weight ratio is far from over, with upcoming vehicles promising even more extreme figures. As technology advances, we can expect even greater feats of engineering in the years to come.
Also Read: 10 Cars That Became Instant Classics After Production Ended and Redefined Automotive History
