 In general, the speed of a hunting cheetah averages 64 km / h (40 mph) during a chase, interspersed with a few short bursts when the speed may vary between 104 and 120 km / h (65 and 75 mph); the most reliable measurement of the typical speed during a short chase is 112 km / h (70 mph). As this is an averaged value, a cheetah's maximum speed may be still higher; the value of the maximum speed is, however, disputed. The speeds attained by the cheetah are only slightly greater than those achieved by the pronghorn 88.5 km / h (55.0 mph) and the springbok 88 km / h (55 mph). Yet the cheetah has a greater probability of succeeding in the chase due to its exceptional acceleration – it can attain a speed of 75 km / h (47 mph) in just two seconds. One stride or jump of a galloping cheetah averages 7 metres (23 ft). Similarly, the ability to rapidly change direction is pivotal in ensuring hunting success. Cheetahs typically walk at 3 – 4 kilometres per hour (1.9 – 2.5 mph).
