REES Module #6 - Railway Alignment Design and Geometry 2 Railroad vs. Highway – Passenger Vehicles Passenger Car Light rail vehicle Top speed (mph) 65+ 65 Weight (tons) 1.4 53.5 Power to weight ratio (hp/ton) 150 9.3 Length (ft) 15 92 (articulated) # of passengers 5 160 Propulsion method Gasoline engine Electric (or diesel-electric) 2