For car enthusiasts and performance tuners, the 0-60 mph time is a crucial metric. Traditionally, achieving accurate 0-60 measurements required expensive GPS-based timers. But with the rise of OBD2 technology and smartphone apps, are built-in Obd2 0-60 Timers a viable alternative? We put the in-built 0-60 timer on the Car Scanner OBD2 app to the test against the Racelogic Performance Box, widely considered a gold standard in GPS timing, to find out.
Testing the Accuracy of OBD2 0-60 Timers
To assess the accuracy, we conducted a series of four runs, measuring two speed segments of 20 km/h each, resulting in a total of eight timed segments. Both the Car Scanner app and the Racelogic Performance Box timers were run simultaneously, recording data from the exact same runs.
Our testing methodology was based on the assumption that the Racelogic Performance Box, a professional-grade GPS timer, provides highly accurate measurements, serving as our benchmark. We then evaluated the OBD2 timer’s accuracy by comparing its results to those from the Racelogic, noting the deviations.
OBD2 0-60 Timer vs. GPS Timer: The Results
The results were surprisingly close. The largest discrepancy we observed between the acceleration times recorded by the OBD2 timer and the Racelogic Performance Box was a mere 0.17 seconds.
Based on these findings, we concluded that, in a worst-case scenario, the accuracy of the OBD2 0-60 timer in the Car Scanner app is within 0.2 seconds of the GPS-based Racelogic timer. This is a significant finding for budget-conscious users seeking performance metrics.
Considering GPS Accuracy Limitations
It’s important to acknowledge that even the “gold standard” Racelogic Performance Box isn’t infallible. Due to its 10Hz GPS sensor, its accuracy could potentially be off by up to 0.1 seconds.
Taking this GPS limitation into account, and speculatively adjusting for the largest discrepancies exceeding 0.1 seconds, it’s plausible to suggest that the OBD2 scanner’s 0-60 timer might even measure times within a tenth of a second of actual figures. However, maintaining a conservative and data-driven approach, we stand by our conclusion that the Car Scanner app’s OBD2 timer provides acceleration times accurate to within 0.2 seconds.
Choosing the Right 0-60 Timer: OBD2 or GPS?
When selecting a 0-60 timer, the best choice depends largely on your budget and desired level of accuracy.
For users prioritizing affordability, the OBD2 solution using the Car Scanner app emerges as the clear winner. For an investment of around $20-$30 for an OBD2 adapter, you gain access to a 0-60 timer that, in our tests, proved to be remarkably close to professional GPS equipment. This OBD2 setup is significantly more budget-friendly, costing approximately 6 times less than a Dragy and 10 times less than a Racelogic Performance Box.
If ultimate accuracy within a tenth of a second is paramount, the Dragy Performance Meter appears to be a compelling option. While we haven’t personally tested the Dragy, it boasts a faster GPS engine, a user-friendly interface, and a lower price point than the Racelogic. Assuming its accuracy claims hold true, the Dragy could be the preferred choice for those seeking high precision without the top-tier Racelogic price tag.
In conclusion, for everyday performance measurements and budget-conscious car enthusiasts, the OBD2 0-60 timer offered by apps like Car Scanner provides an impressive balance of accuracy and affordability. While professional GPS timers like Racelogic and Dragy cater to users demanding the utmost precision, our testing demonstrates that OBD2 technology offers a surprisingly accurate and cost-effective alternative for measuring 0-60 times.
