Understanding Power-to-Weight Ratios in Australian Vehicles
When it comes to performance, many people are drawn to the thrill of a car that can accelerate quickly from 0 to 100km/h. However, not all vehicles on the market are built for speed. In fact, many of Australia’s best-selling cars offer more modest power figures. To provide a more accurate representation of real-world performance, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 cars currently available in Australia with the lowest power-to-weight ratios.
Power-to-weight ratio is a crucial metric because it tells you how much power a vehicle has relative to its weight. This is more relevant than just looking at outright power figures, as it gives a better indication of how a car will perform on the road.
Below is a detailed breakdown of each vehicle on the list:
Top 10 Cars with the Lowest Power-to-Weight Ratios in Australia
BYD Dolphin Essential
The base BYD Dolphin currently holds the title of having the lowest power-to-weight ratio of any new model available in Australia, at just 46.5kW per tonne. With a total power output of 70kW, this electric vehicle weighs 1506kg, resulting in a claimed 0-100km/h time of 12.3 seconds. It also features a 44.9kWh battery that claims a range of 340km (WLTP). Priced at $29,990 before on-roads, it offers an affordable entry point into electric driving.
BYD Atto 1 Essential
The base Atto 1, another electric BYD model, offers a slightly higher power-to-weight ratio of 50.2kW per tonne. Weighing 1294kg, it delivers a claimed 0-100km/h time of 11.1 seconds. While it has less peak power than the Dolphin, it is significantly lighter and more affordable, priced at $23,990 before on-roads. The Atto 1 Premium variant offers improved range and a higher power-to-weight ratio.
Hyundai Inster 2WD
The base Hyundai Inster is the third EV on the list, with a power-to-weight ratio of 51.6kW per tonne. It produces 71kW of power and weighs 1375kg. The Inster offers a claimed range of 327km (WLTP), but it is more expensive than the base Atto 1, starting at $39,000 before on-roads.
Fiat 500
The petrol-powered Fiat 500 ranks fourth on the list, with a power-to-weight ratio of 55.4kW per tonne. It produces only 51kW of power and weighs 920kg. Despite its low power output, the Fiat 500 is known for its agility and affordability.
Isuzu MU-X 2.2 LS-T
The first large SUV on the list is the 2.2-litre Isuzu MU-X LS-T, which produces 58.5kW per tonne. Priced at $71,400 before on-roads, it offers a balance of power and practicality. All 2.2 models produce 120kW of power and 400Nm of torque, with the LS-T offering the lowest power-to-weight ratio.
Toyota LandCruiser Prado Kakadu
In flagship Kakadu trim, the Toyota Prado produces 59.5kW per tonne from its 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine. Weighing 2520kg, it is the heaviest and most expensive vehicle on the list, priced at $100,690 before on-roads. Its engine delivers 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque, making it a strong contender for those seeking off-road capability.
GWM Tank 300 Diesel
The diesel variant of the GWM Tank 300 offers a power-to-weight ratio of 60.7kW per tonne. Available in two variants priced at $47,990 or $51,990 drive-away, it produces up to 135kW of power and 480Nm of torque. Other powertrain options include turbo-petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants.
Mahindra Scorpio
The Mahindra Scorpio diesel offers a power-to-weight ratio of 61.4kW per tonne. Priced at $48,990 drive-away, it features a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 129kW of power and 400Nm of torque. It utilises a six-speed automatic transmission and is claimed to weigh 2100kg.
Kia Picanto auto
The Kia Picanto is Australia’s best-selling city hatchback, with an automatic variant developing 62.4kW per tonne. Despite being sold in two sporty-sounding variants, both receive the same 1.2-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 62kW of power and 122Nm of torque. It is the cheapest car in Australia, starting at $19,190 before on-road costs.
Suzuki Jimny XL auto
The Suzuki Jimny, in five-door XL guise, produces 63.2kW per tonne. All Jimnys are powered by the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 75kW and 130Nm. The XL auto variant offers a balance of power and practicality, with prices ranging from $31,990 to $37,490 before on-roads.
Conclusion
This list highlights the diversity of vehicles available in Australia, from compact city cars to rugged SUVs. By focusing on power-to-weight ratios, we gain a clearer understanding of how these vehicles perform in real-world conditions. Whether you’re looking for efficiency, affordability, or off-road capability, there’s something on this list to suit your needs.
