Car performance

[Gordon R]

I built a couple of kits cars in my younger days. Despite engines having less power than today, they were lightning quick. Sadly they handled like go karts. 

When I get rid of our two Honda CR500 AFs, I do fancy building another.

[TIGHTCHOKE]

3 minutes ago, shaun4860 said:

All those saying the power is too much should be careful what they wish for.

It’s a slippery slope to whoever is in power to take heed and restrict everyone to 100hp.

I then await the complaints.

If your car has too much power then simply buy a less powerful one rather than complain about the power 🤷🏻‍♂️

Can't be long before speed (maximum) might be controlled by a black box in the car, so wouldn't matter what power was available to the driver.

[oowee]

4 minutes ago, TIGHTCHOKE said:

Can't be long before speed (maximum) might be controlled by a black box in the car, so wouldn't matter what power was available to the driver.

This car my wife bought is restricted to about 110 mph. 

[JohnfromUK]

Just now, TIGHTCHOKE said:

Can't be long before speed (maximum) might be controlled by a black box in the car, so wouldn't matter what power was available to the driver.

/\. This

I believe it is now mandatory (in some countries) that the speed limit in which the vehicle is currently travelling is flagged to the driver.  I noted in a review by Harry Metcalf (of Harry's Garage on You Tube) that the new Land Cruiser he was testing both flagged the speed limit and sounded an alarm if it was exceeded.  He had not at the time of doing the review managed to turn it off, though he believed it was possible somewhere in a menu.

My car shows the current speed limit and the display thereof changes from 'normal' to red if you are exceeding the limit, but no audio alarm (or if there is it isn't turned on).  It's a very short step from there to a box that either 'reports' offenders, or limits speed automatically.

Mine is not particularly reliable as the car system sometimes conflicts with Google maps (which is what I tend to use) and at times BOTH are wrong.

2 minutes ago, oowee said:

This car my wife bought is restricted to about 110 mph. 

Most German cars have been restricted to 250 kph (155 mph) for some time

[London Best]

At least 90% of motorists take no notice of whatever speed limit they are driving in anyway. 
Returning from stalking yesterday, most of the 90 mile journey was motorway. I used the M5, M42 and M1. All the M5 that I used was restricted to 50mph. Most of the M42 was 50 (round Birmingham) and every bit of the M1 on my route was 50. Other than that, where possible I travelled at a steady 70 in my 15 year old Defender 110 (125 bhp). Virtually without exception, whilst doing 70mph every car and particularly vans passed me as if I was standing still.

[oowee]

All those speed restrictions are good for the fuel economy. 😄

[shaun4860]

On 11/12/2024 at 12:15, JohnfromUK said:

Most German cars have been restricted to 250 kph (155 mph) for some time

I believe this is a voluntary thing which is why Porsche and some Mercedes sports models and the Audi RS models exceed this

[JohnfromUK]

5 hours ago, shaun4860 said:

I believe this is a voluntary thing which is why Porsche and some Mercedes sports models and the Audi RS models exceed this

Yes, I think that's probably right.  Many of the most powerful/biggest engined versions of the 'normal' model ranges (such as the BMW 335 I had) were restricted and if modified to be de-restricted would have (apparently) done a bit more. 

[Old Boggy]

On 10/12/2024 at 23:34, Dave-G said:

Father bought a 3 wheel Heinkle bubble car for my older brother to use which could be used on a motorcycle learner licence to go out on minor electrical installation work on farms. The front of the car opened forwards which also moved the steering column to one side to aid entry.

I had similar with an Isetta 3 wheeler which had a single cylinder BMW engine if I recall. Could drive it on my motor bike licence, but I think that the reverse gear had to be blocked off.

[ph5172]

I remember driving a 2009 transit crew cab through Germany and that was limited electronically to 110. When going down hill it you could feel this in effect. 
 

thing is the wipers would lift off the screen over 90 odd. 
 

 

 

[Dave-G]

4 hours ago, Old Boggy said:

I had similar with an Isetta 3 wheeler which had a single cylinder BMW engine if I recall. Could drive it on my motor bike licence, but I think that the reverse gear had to be blocked off.

Yep - I recall now that reverse was disabled in his too.

[.357shooter]

must admit i was shocked at the performance of my little 89 astra gte 16v.with just 156bhp that car really was quick.