How Fast Is 240 Horsepower in mph?

There’s no single mph number for 240 horsepower, because horsepower is power, not speed; however, in a modern car, 240 hp typically supports a top speed of roughly 130–155 mph depending on aerodynamics, gearing, weight, and limiters, with 0–60 mph times commonly in the 5.5–7.5 second range. Put simply: 240 hp can be quite fast in a sleek sedan or hatchback, but noticeably slower in a boxy SUV or truck.

Why Horsepower Doesn’t Equal a Fixed mph

Top speed depends on how much power is needed to push a vehicle through the air and overcome tire and drivetrain losses. At high speed, aerodynamic drag dominates, and the required power grows with the cube of speed. A useful relationship is: P ≈ 0.5 × ρ × CdA × v³ + rolling resistance, where ρ is air density, CdA is the product of drag coefficient and frontal area, and v is speed. Because speed scales with the cube root of power, small changes in aerodynamics or available wheel power can move top speed significantly. Gearing, redline, and electronic speed limiters also cap real-world mph.

Rule-of-Thumb Ranges for 240 hp Vehicles

The following list outlines typical top-speed and acceleration ranges you might see from vehicles making about 240 horsepower, assuming appropriate gearing and no unusually strict electronic limiters.

• Sleek sedan/hatchback (CdA ≈ 0.60–0.70): about 145–160 mph, often capped electronically near 155 mph.
• Compact crossover/SUV (CdA ≈ 0.80–0.95): about 130–145 mph.
• Boxy SUV/pickup (CdA ≈ 1.0+): about 120–135 mph.
• Typical 0–60 mph performance (3,000–4,000 lb vehicles): roughly 5.5–7.5 seconds, varying with traction and gearing.

These ranges reflect how the same power can yield very different outcomes based on aerodynamics and mass. A streamlined, lower car goes faster on the same power than a taller, boxier shape.

Quick Calculation Example

Here’s a simple, physics-based way to estimate the top speed a 240 hp vehicle could theoretically reach, highlighting the key assumptions that drive the result.

1. Convert horsepower to watts: 240 hp ≈ 179,000 W. Assume 15% drivetrain loss, leaving ≈ 152,000 W at the wheels.
2. Choose a plausible aerodynamic profile. Example: a sleek car with CdA = 0.70; sea-level air density ρ ≈ 1.225 kg/m³.
3. Use the high-speed aerodynamic relation: P ≈ 0.5 × ρ × CdA × v³, so v ≈ (2P / (ρ × CdA))^(1/3).
4. Compute: v ≈ (2 × 152,000 / (1.225 × 0.70))^(1/3) ≈ 70.7 m/s ≈ 158 mph. Accounting for rolling resistance (roughly 10 kW at these speeds), tire and thermal losses, and real-world conditions, an achievable top speed would likely land around 150–155 mph.

Change the shape and you change the outcome: repeat the math with a higher CdA, say 0.95 for a small SUV, and you get ≈ 64 m/s ≈ 143 mph—before considering limiters or gearing. Altitude (lower air density) can nudge the estimate upward; headwinds, gradients, and limiters nudge it downward.

Other Factors That Change How “Fast” 240 hp Feels

Top speed is only part of the picture. The following factors strongly influence both maximum mph and how quickly you get there.

• Vehicle mass and power-to-weight ratio: mostly affects acceleration (0–60 mph, passing), not ultimate top speed.
• Gearing and redline: if top gear can’t keep the engine in its power band at high speed, top speed drops.
• Drivetrain losses and tire size: wheel power and rolling drag vary with driveline design and tire choices.
• Electronic speed limiters: many mainstream cars are capped between 130 and 155 mph regardless of available power.
• Altitude and temperature: thinner air at altitude reduces drag (and engine output in non-turbo cars), shifting the balance.
• Road grade and wind: uphill or headwinds cut top speed; downhill or tailwinds boost it.

Together, these variables explain why two 240 hp vehicles can feel very different on the road and show different numbers on the speedometer at the top end.

Summary

Horsepower doesn’t translate directly to mph, but 240 hp in a modern, well-geared car generally supports a top speed in the 130–155 mph range, with 0–60 mph commonly around 5.5–7.5 seconds. Aerodynamics (CdA), gearing, losses, limiters, and conditions ultimately decide the exact number; a sleek car can reach the higher end of that range, while a boxy SUV or truck will sit lower despite identical power.

How many mph is 240 horsepower?

This means that if you keep your foot all the way down, using up all 240 hp, you can eventually go 150 mph.

Is 240 horsepower good?

Yes, 240 horsepower (hp) is generally considered a good amount of power, providing a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency for most cars and small SUVs. While 240 hp may not be considered high-performance for heavy-duty trucks or large SUVs, it offers sufficient power for comfortable highway driving, effortless overtaking, and a fun, spirited driving experience in a lighter vehicle. 
Factors to consider

• Vehicle weight and type: Opens in new tabThe effectiveness of 240 hp depends significantly on the vehicle’s weight. A light car with 240 hp will feel very fast, while the same power in a heavy SUV might feel sluggish. 
• Purpose of the vehicle: Opens in new tabFor a daily commuter or a family car, 240 hp is more than enough, offering a great balance between power and gas mileage. For a lightweight sports car, it could feel underpowered, but for a compact car or crossover, it provides a lively and capable driving experience. 
• Torque and other factors: Opens in new tabHorsepower isn’t the only factor determining speed; torque, the vehicle’s weight distribution, tires, and drivetrain all play a significant role in how a car handles and performs. 
• Context of modern vehicles: Opens in new tabThe average horsepower for modern passenger cars has increased, with some high-end models now producing over 500 hp. However, 240 hp is still a solid output that provides a confident and enjoyable drive for the majority of drivers. 

Examples of vehicles with ~240 hp Volkswagen Golf GTI, Mazdaspeed3, Honda Accord with a V6 engine, and Toyota Camry with a V6 engine.

Is 250 horsepower fast?

Is 250 horsepower good? For cars or crossover SUVs, 250 horsepower is more than good; it’s a great output that can walk the fine line between high performance and high MPG. Is 150–200 horsepower fast? This is a good balance of efficiency and speed for both smaller crossover SUVs and compact cars.

How fast is 240 horsepower?

A vehicle with 240 horsepower can accelerate a moderately sized car to 60 mph in around 6-7 seconds and achieve a top speed of approximately 150 mph, but actual speed depends significantly on factors like the vehicle’s weight, aerodynamics, and gearing, which influence how much of the engine’s power is used to overcome resistance and reach velocity. 
Factors influencing speed

• Vehicle Weight: Lighter vehicles will accelerate faster and reach higher speeds with the same amount of horsepower compared to heavier ones. 
• Gearing: The transmission’s gear ratios, the drive axle’s gearing, and tire size all combine to affect both acceleration and top speed. 
• Aerodynamics: A more aerodynamic vehicle experiences less wind resistance (drag), allowing it to achieve higher speeds with the same power output. 

Examples of performance

• Acceleration: Opens in new tab240 hp is sufficient for a moderate-sized car to achieve a 0-60 mph time of about 6 seconds. 
• Top Speed: Opens in new tabA moderately sized, aerodynamic car with 240 hp can be geared for a top speed of around 150 mph. 

What this means for a vehicle

• For typical drivers: 240 horsepower is generally considered a “good” amount of power, offering a balance between performance for daily driving and reasonable fuel efficiency. 
• For performance cars: In a lightweight, performance-oriented car like a hot hatch, 240 hp can result in very brisk acceleration. In a larger vehicle, this same power might provide a more comfortable driving experience with adequate performance, rather than outright speed.