For students interested in the math, attached are the equations of motion
1 and plots
2 of distance, velocity, and acceleration vs time, for the 2 and the 4 CIM vehicles, at 73% and 100% drivetrain efficiency, assuming:
- assume constant 12V supply to the motors (not a good assumption, agreed)
- "speed loss constant" 100% (e.g. vehicle top speed corresponds to motor free speed. may not be a good assumption)
- motive force varies linearly with vehicle speed
- wheels are not traction limited
With the given assumptions, the equations of motion can be solved analytically to obtain a closed-form solution (no need for numerical integration).
1 http://maxima.sourceforge.net/
2 units converted to feet for plotting