For many, the ultimate sports cars, and fast speeds are what buyers are looking for; on the other hand, there are some drivers who are looking for a car that is safe, provides more seating room, and will keep their family safe. So, the answer to the question: When is a fast car too fast?, really depends on who you are asking, what the car’s intended use is, and what kind of car is being purchased, by the driver that is buying that new car. Of course manufacturers take all safety precautions in mind, but too fast might still be an issue with certain cars, depending on the road conditions, and where the cars are going to be driven on a daily basis.
Safe driving
Is 220, 230, 240mph too fast? The answer really depends on the car, driver, and use. Indy and Nascar drivers can top out these speeds, but should the cars that consumers purchase on the road be created to go this quickly? Some of the factors that have to be considered by manufacturers include:
– How quickly the engine is circulating, and whether or not it can handle that much force and acceleration.
– The type of motor that is being used in the car, and what it is designed for.
– The suspension, power, and type of engine; and,
– How well the car can handle, at top speeds, and on the toughest road conditions.
Just because manufacturers can develop cars that top out at 240 plus, does not mean this is safe, by any means. So, in developing cars today, manufacturers consider all of these factors, and all safety measures, to ensure they are delivering a car that can attain the highest speeds, while still providing optimal safety for the drivers in them, and all other drivers that are on the road with them as well.
Road conditions
The speed issue is also going to be considered when it comes to developing cars that are used in different street and road conditions. If it is an everyday commuter car, which is driving on roads, highways, and local streets, manufacturers are not going to create a car that is as fast as those developed for racing, and sports enjoyment. It is important to consider the type of driving conditions the car is going to be used on, so that the manufacturer can create something powerful enough to reach the top speeds, while still driving safely on the roads they are meant to be driven on. So, manufacturers consider the road conditions, driving conditions, and the type of use, when developing the engine as well, to make the safest cars, while still giving the driver the fastest speeds, on the safest possible platform when they are on the road.
Type of car
At 240 mph, a small, sedan style car is going to be much safer than a minivan, SUV, crossover, or truck. Manufacturers also have to consider this factor when designing the cars, suspension, power, and engine capabilities on the road. With different heights, different vehicles are going to be safer than others, when topping out at the top speeds they are designed to reach. The force, and the possibility of flipping over, has to be taken in to consideration in the development phase; manufacturers look at this, and all other possible safety issues when it comes to designing a new car, to design one that is safe, and still gives the driver the possibility of reaching the highest speeds, and still being able to control the vehicle.
Braking capabilities and handle
Of course at the top speeds, you are going to have to slow down eventually. Manufacturers have to design the car that can top out at the highest speeds, while still being able to stop on command, and being able to properly handle, on tough road conditions. From wet and slick roads, to turns and twists, the vehicle has to be able to handle well, and provide the necessary stop time, in the event the driver quickly has to hit the brakes when they are on the road. At higher speeds, the car has more of a chance to skid off road, or lose control when they have to brake too quickly; so, manufacturers have to consider this safety factor when designing cars, and must consider how well the car is going to be able to stop, in an instant, while still allowing the driver to keep as much control of it as possible, when they have to stop all of a sudden on the road.
Engine strength
A V8 is going to be able to pump out more than a V6; so, the engine, torque, and power, as well as the response time after the driver hits the accelerator, are a few of the factors that are taken in to consideration when designing cars as well. The more power the car can produce, the faster it is going to be able to go, and the more engine power, the quicker it is going to be able to reach those higher engine speeds on the road. Manufacturers have to create an engine and timer that work well together, without causing the possibility of combustion, or other possible dangers on the road, when the driver chooses to take the vehicle to the highest possible speeds, on or off the road.
These are some of the main factors manufacturers look at, when they are designing cars, and considering the aspect of speed. The answer to the question: When is a fast car too fast?, really depends on who you are asking, the use for the car, and the type of car that is being designed. Of course all safety factors must be taken in to consideration, as must the road conditions. But, as long as the manufacturer considers all safety aspects, and knows where the car is going to be put to use, the highest speeds can be attained, and drivers can be kept safe, whether they are driving a brand new race car, or a second hand performance car.