The cheetah is faster than the lion.
Comparing the Speed of Cheetahs and Lions
Based on information regarding the speed of these animals, the cheetah holds a significant advantage over the lion in terms of pure velocity.
According to Britannica, the cheetah is considered the fastest land animal. It possesses an incredible ability to accelerate, capable of going from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than three seconds. While it can only maintain these extreme speeds for short distances, its top speed is approximately 60 mph.
In comparison, lions are also fast runners, particularly when hunting. However, their top speed is significantly lower than that of a cheetah. Lions reach a maximum speed of about 50 miles per hour.
Key Speed Differences
Here is a quick comparison based on the provided reference:
| Animal | Approximate Top Speed | Acceleration (0-60 mph) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheetah | 60 mph | Less than 3 seconds | Fastest land animal; short bursts only |
| Lion | 50 mph | Not specified | Fast when hunting |
As the table illustrates, the cheetah's top speed of around 60 mph makes it faster than the lion's top speed of about 50 mph.
