Why are cars made with such high speeds on the speedometer,when the maximum speed is 70mph? uk?

Answer 1

Although the cars may be capable of high speeds. The extra power makes them very pleasant to drive at 70mph due to the lower revs in top gear.

A car capable of 150mph might be doing 70mph at as little as 2500rpm, whereas a smaller car with a top speed of 90mph may be doing 70mph at 5000rpm.

Answer 2

Various reasons: There are different speed limits elsewhere in Europe (and even some unlimited Autobahns in Germany) and many of us take our cars abroad. The Government has little choice, because our cars are designed and tested to European, not UK, legislation - and we are the only European country with a 70mph limit (all others have limits in km/h) People would soon work out how to de-restrict their cars (many owners of Japanese-spec cars restricted to 180km/h, or German-brand cars restricted to 250km/h already do remove the restrictions). There is a safety issue - if you sense an impending accident, which you could accelerate to avoid, but your car is restricted, can you sue the government for preventing you from avoiding the accident? Our motorways are our safest roads - far more accidents, injuries and deaths occur per mile on roads with 30mph limits than on motorways, and motorways make up a relatively small fraction of our roads. Also, motorway accidents tend to be due to people changing lane without looking, or getting too close the the car in front, or going too fast for the road/weather conditions (but not necessarily exceeding the limit), not speeding. Therefore the effect on road safety of limiting cars to 70mph would be limited. Indeed the accident rate may well rise, because drivers might start to pay less attention to their driving if they can just put their foot flat to the floor and leave it there. The move would be unpopular with drivers - and most of the electorate drive.

Answer 3

think about the horsepower and power to weight ratio!!!
It' gives the car more durability with you gears, so cos the power is ther, it means you could reach those speeds...abroad in foreign countries you may be allowed to...
also, like my mate, he has a son and a place in seveoaks and own ther own land...
his son is 12 and driver cars like mad...it's legal as it's his land!!! A car is not only for the road....but primarily is!!
think outside the box...
I know of some cars which only do 65 mph top and speedo goes to 140mph!!!

Answer 4

I dunno what the big deal is with a NUMBER.

70 mph is JUST a number...my car will do over 155mph, but I use my personal CHOICE not to go quite that fast - so my car can comfortably cruise with minimal effort at 70 ish.

I'd rather have a car with a LOT of reserve power and an unstressed engine than some little 1.3 'buzz box' that is nearly flat out at 70...wouldn't you?

Answer 5

Because the car can go that fast so you need to know when you have passed the limit, if it stopped a t 70 then if you where doing 80 you would not know and you would get a ticket.

Answer 6

because the police cant be everywhere all of the time, and if you have a really fast car, they cant catch you anyway!

in reality, its all down to the dumbass who raced down the m1 in an ac cobra at 191 mph that meant the speed limit was introduced. blame him. (1970 ish). up until then, you could go as fast as you wanted.

Answer 7

some may have a govern on them limiting their max speed to 155mph (cars made in the us) even though their speedometer may reach 160+.

Answer 8

because people drive faster than 70mph, i do 80-90 on motorway, 70 is too slow

Answer 9

simply to increase revenue 4 the government. the faster you go the more the cameras catch you..speeding/parking fines are a politicians dream!!
read this book EVERYBODY..The Drivers Survival Handbook by Martin Thwaite.(ex traffic copper)

Answer 10

the higher speed on the clock gives an indication of the power,meaning when overtaking on roads, you feel safer knowing you can get out, around, and back in front of another vehicle,rather than find yourself out there and realising you have not enough power,THEN realising you cant get back in cos someones filled your spot..oh we`ve all done it !