why do americans build cars with such big engines when they have a speed limit of only 55mph?

Answer 1

Its just the American way, if we can do something we will. On the other hand there are no speed limits in the desert for hundereds of miles when we travel coast to coast.

Answer 2

The speed of a car is not so much a function of the size of the engine as it is a function of the engine design and the weight of the car. Most vehicles go faster than 55 mph, big engine or not. And also, in the US, people have to haul not just the one person, but a mom and her kids and their stuff, a whole family all over the place, distances are a good deal greater for people here than in say Britain or France, and so on. So Americans like more powerful cars and in some instances, need them. So the light cars don't sell well.

But for sure, cars could be designed for better milage without sacrificing too much on performance. My 1991 Honda CRX recently went 300 miles at ~70 miles per hour and got 38 miles to the gallon. I'm dying to get a new car, but this one is in too good condition to justify it, and I notice that I would be a bit pressed to find a car that will get the gas milage I'm getting now....

Answer 3

Americans have always loved fast vehicles Hence the cars with big engines. not to mention all the after market parts available to make them even faster. Let alone the motorcycles such as the Boss Hoss It comes with either a 350 Chevy rated at 300 horse or a 501 big block with about 500 H.P. That is one hell of a lot of power for a 2 wheeled vehicle The company can not seem to make enough of them. Bottom line is Most Americans are speed freaks

Answer 4

It's not 55 now, most speed limits are much higher.

Yes it's annoying that Americans have such big engines but they are paying the price ( at the pumps) for that now.

To be fair, we aren't comparing like with like. In America distances are HUGE. The scale of everything is different. You wouldn't want to be plodding along in a 1.3 litre car, you'd feel like the landscape had swallowed you up!!

Answer 5

American cars are market driven. Most European are tax and gas mileage driven. That said, a 5.7liter and up will sell much better than a 3.9liter simply because it takes that much to run all necessary accessories and carry heavier weight down the road.Rarely have I seen speed limits obeyed. Then there is the psychological aspect of penis size and car. But that's another subject.

Answer 6

55 Is out dated info, 55mph was only in place for gas restrictions and to conserve during previous times in HISTORY most states are in the 70s here in cali were a 65/ 70 state but like someone else said its about our issues we have with power! lol funny but true, im guilty!

Answer 7

You need 7 litres to achieve 55 mph when yoyu have ridiculous emission Laws and 1/4 ton Americans

Answer 8

Whats more comfortable and easier to drive, a wretched little 1.0 bug that sounds like a nuclear powered pepper grinder as soon as it encounters a gradient, and has little seats to fit in their little bodies, still sat on by te same size asses, or a 6.0 V8 that you never need to change gear in, and rides so smoothly you forget you are not in your front room sometimes?!!?

Amnd the reason they don't restrict them is te same as here in the UK, you can drive these cars fast. Take them to a track day, costs a little but is really fantastic fun.

Answer 9

The speed limit varies. It's not 55 in most states any more.

Answer 10

Because we are a population currently in the fast lane and need lots of power to beat the next guy out! Americans are obsessed with power in all facets of life!

Answer 11

Less to do with the variable speed limits and more to do with the fact that oil has historically been available at relatively cheap prices in the US (texas oil and all that) - as global resources run out, that may change...,..,