0-60-0
A performance measure for automobiles, that either measures elapsed time, or elapsed distance. The automobile starts from a standing start, accelerates to 60 mph (roughly 100 km/h), and then brakes to a stop.
0-60-0: acceleration and braking in one metric
A 0-60-0 test measures the total time an automobile takes to accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph and then brake back to a complete stop. It combines two distinct performance phases: acceleration and deceleration. The metric originated in automotive journalism and performance testing as a way to evaluate overall dynamic capability rather than top-end speed or linear acceleration alone.
The test begins with the vehicle stationary and the engine running. The driver applies full throttle, allowing the engine to reach peak power delivery while transmission (manual or automatic) engages the optimal gear. The vehicle accelerates in a straight line until it reaches exactly 60 mph (96.5 km/h), at which point full braking is applied. Timing stops when the vehicle comes to a complete halt. The entire sequence is typically performed multiple times to establish an average.
The 60 mph threshold is not arbitrary. It represents a speed readily achievable by nearly all road vehicles in normal traffic conditions, making the test reproducible and comparable across different vehicle classes. It also sits below the legal limits of many test tracks, reducing the braking distance required and the risk of tire or brake failure during repeated test runs.
0-60-0 differs fundamentally from the standalone 0-60 time metric. A vehicle with quick acceleration but poor braking can post a respectable 0-60 but perform poorly on 0-60-0. Similarly, a heavier vehicle or one with lesser power may accelerate more slowly but brake effectively, narrowing the gap between metrics. This makes 0-60-0 valuable for assessing integrated performance and brake cooling under successive runs.
The test is sensitive to tire grip, engine response, transmission efficiency, brake fade, and driver technique. Cold brakes will produce longer stopping distances than warm brakes, which is why professional testers often warm the vehicle before beginning. Tire compound and pressure affect both acceleration and braking performance. Results are recorded in seconds, with high-performance road cars typically achieving times between 5 and 7 seconds, while economy vehicles often require 10 to 12 seconds.