Efficiency of Chain & Sprocket vs. V-belt and Pulley

There is no simple answer to your question. When you get up into the hundreds of horsepower, multiple V-belts have several advantages if precise timing is not a factor. V-belts are quiet and don't require lubrication and have a certain degree of shock dampening. Chains, on the other hand, require constant lubrication and, at higher speeds, the effect of centrifugal force on the chain can become a problem. The chain wants to become a circle and puts an enormous pull on the sprockets. Do you have a particular application in mind?

At low speeds bicycle chains in good condition are reputed to be 98-99% efficient.

The efficiency of V belts is 94-97% according to the Bosch blue book.

At higher speeds, and low loads, the GM SunRaycer team estimated or measured a timing belt at 90% efficient.

Cheers

Greg Locock