Describe what power limited and traction limited acceleratio

Describe what power limited and traction limited acceleration mean. Which of these are more prominent in passenger cars?

Solution

Power limited acceleration means the acceleration is depended on engine characteristics, power to weight ratio and power train inertia. Engine power is the limiting factor.

Traction limited acceleration means acceleration is limited by the co-efficient of performance between the tyre and the road.

In passenger cars, traction limited is more prominent because the engine can and does deliver more power, but vehicle acceleration is limited because the tires cannot transmit any more driving force to the ground.