Why is 0-60 faster than 5-60?
 

Whenever I see data on a car, the 0-60mph time is faster than the 5-60. Why? The only guess I can make (probably wrong) is that they start in second gear for the 5-60, but that doesn't make a lot of sense, either.

If the 5-60 is faster, then you're probably right in that they're starting out in second instead of first. As a result, the motor is out of its powerband for a longer amount of time.

nope. well, not 100% nope. . . sorta.

They can start in first in both situations. But 0-60, they'll rev the motor to produce the optimum launch - this usually involves a bit of wheel spin. 5-60, the clutch is already out, so they can't rev the motor, and the engine is under its powerband to start with, so it accelerates slower.

Makes sense, thanks.

Ok, here's one for you then. What is to say that the driver couldn't use the clutch to hold the speed at 5 mph, but have the rev's at their optimum when the green light hits?

Because that would defeat the purpose of the test, which is to show the real-world power of the car. Unless you do a drop-clutch start at every stoplight.

didn't they used to use the 5-60 or "street start" back in the muscle car era when the engines were far better than the tires, to avoid some of the wheel spin?

indeed they did

They still do it today when the kiddies are racing the Civics on the street. I think today it's more because they think it's how the real racers do it than any attempt to avoid wheelspin ;)

Haha, actually in my experience it's the only ways Civics can get a little better out of the hole. When they try to race anything with power they get smoked right out of the hole, but at 5 mph with an automatic trans (which most "racers" with civics have) don't completely die off the line.