Who is faster, a mouse or a rat? - briefly
Rats typically outpace mice, reaching speeds of up to 8 mph, whereas mice max out around 5 mph. This speed advantage stems from the rat’s larger muscle mass and longer limbs.
Who is faster, a mouse or a rat? - in detail
Mice can reach sprint speeds of approximately 13 km/h (8 mph), while rats typically top out near 8 km/h (5 mph). The disparity stems from several physiological factors:
- Body mass – Mice are lighter, allowing quicker acceleration.
- Limb proportion – Shorter, more flexible legs favor rapid bursts.
- Muscle fiber composition – Higher proportion of fast‑twitch fibers in mice supports short‑duration sprints.
- Aerobic capacity – Rats possess greater endurance, maintaining moderate speeds longer than mice.
In confined spaces, mice often outmaneuver rats due to superior agility and tighter turning radii. On open surfaces, rats may close the gap because their larger stride length compensates for lower top speed. Overall, mice demonstrate higher maximum velocity, whereas rats excel in sustained locomotion and strength.