Why do they design vehicles to go 160 miles per hour if the speed limit is only 65?

Question

I'm not talking race cars or police cars either.

Answer 1

They must have a deal going with the policemans patrol association for a little kickback money ,he,he : )

Answer 2

Wait until they go back to "National 55 miles-an-hr. Speed Limit".......How Quickly people forget.....!!

55 Mile Per Hour Speed Limit was a National Law to:  "Save on Gas Consumption" in the Mid-70's in U.S......!!

Answer 3

So we can out-run the cops who want to give us speeding tickets.

Answer 4

I know what you mean. They're clocked at anywhere from 100-160. Where on earth are you supposed to drive that fast except a race track. Maybe that's one of the reasons they eat so much gas. LOL

Answer 5

just because the speedometer goes to 120 doesn't mean the car can.

Answer 6

It's a psychological thing.  So people can go out and say "Hey! my car is capable of going at 160MPH!"

But what they don't know is that most cars have a governor chip on them that forces the car to slow down once a certain speed has been met.  Usually it doesn't kick in until after you go over 110mph.

Answer 7

Good question.  I have often wondered that myself.

Answer 8

So that the manufacturers will make more money...plain and simple.............

Speed sells cars and people like to Speed.......

Answer 9

Not everyone can afford 160mph capable cars, and those who do take them to the track. I for one, am a motorsport enthusiast. I rarely drive my Corvette Z06 on a daily basis or in foul weather. But I do take it to the racetrack and race other exotic cars with it. It is an expensive hobby but there are many of us who do it.

Answer 10

Good question.  I think that I'll just start using those unused speeds!

Answer 11

Lol. Believe it or not- there are places that you can drive as fast as you want on the highway. Plus, who really obeys the speed laws?

Answer 12

I dunno darlin.....but that is a very good question....

Answer 13

pay check maker

Answer 14

First, they do not to the extent that is commonly thought.  The speedometer often goes higher than the car really goes.

Second, the speed limit is not 65 everywhere and they design the car to go in places where the speed limit is higher.

Third, because many buyers (incorrectly) believe that a car that can go very fast will perform better at lower speeds than cars that only go up to 80 or so will (not only will a faster car not necessarily handle any better, it will burn more gas), so they buy the faster cars, even though they cannot use the extra speed.