Why is speed in automobiles important, if at all?

Question

I constantly see car enthusiasts drool over top speed, horsepower, etc. It seems like pointless spec wankery for immature teenagers that may or may not have licenses - the speed limit on roads is often more than adequate, and there are usually too many people on roads, even interstates, to take advantage of 100MPH+ speeds, which are probably dangerous to all but the most experienced drivers anyway. Is there any practical value to having an excessively "powerful" car, or is it just a superfluous and in most cases environmentally detrimental remedy to an immature insecurity?

Answer 1

I agree with you, but try riding a 125cc motorcycle capable of a top speed of 70 mph and a 1300cc motorcycle capable of 135 mph in ordinary, every day traffic that never exceeds 60 mph and you'll find the big bike much easier to ride. When you want to pass someone doing 45 mph, you twist the throttle on the big bike and away you go, reaching 60 mph in a hurry and getting you back on the correct side of the road quickly. On the little one, you downshift a couple of times, crank the throttle wide open and hope you have a long clear stretch of road that'll give you plenty of time and room to pass. Go up a steep hill and the big bike will maintain it's speed while the little one will bog down and you're liable to be run over by the semi coming up behind you. The power that makes driving at high top speeds possible also makes driving at slow speeds much easier nd less stressful.

Answer 2

The purpose of having these cars with excessive amounts of power, or capabilities of high-end top speeds is actually quite simple. People have hobbies, and are enthusiasts of a vast variety of different events, people, machines, etc., and this automobile fascination happens to be one of them. It is not so much high-end top speed that is so attractive, but rather the power (horsepower/torque) that is associated with these vehicles, producing a very sensitive pedal which allows for quick acceleration, and the feeling of "balls" or power at your disposal. There are instances in which quick acceleration is a necessity, making these high performance cars semi-practical. However, the main aspect which you are overlooking, is driveability/fun. The whole purpose of these cars is to make driving a more enjoyable experience, and for some people, it is an expression of who they are (almost like an art - skirt packages, specialized paints, other customizations). I suggest, if you have never driven or experienced a high-performance vehicle (or atlest a half-decent sports car), you test drive a vehicle with some considerable muscle, in order to evaluate them for yourself. I guarantee it will be completely different than driving the family van, or Honda in the driveway. Just like many things in life, this 'hobby' has it's consequences (gas mileage, etc.), and it is not for everybody, but you must never generalize and and form and opinion based on speculation.

Answer 3

You are absolutely correct; however, you shouldn't necessarily dismiss fast cars as immature. It is not too different than paying for bottled water, shipped hundreds or thousands of miles even though it does nothing different than tap water; wearing expensive clothes than cover no more and keep you no warmer than cheap ones; drinking expensive alcohol (or alcohol at all) when cheap stuff will get you just as drunk; eating expensive food that is probably worse for you than cheap food. How about painting your house when it's not going to help your home? There are a million such examples. Fast cars are a luxury good, and people buy them because they enjoy the addition of luxury aspects to everyday objects.

Answer 4

You answered your own question in every area i can think of except for that of having power to pull an object,and the only object i can see that needs to be pulled is a trailer or a boat on a trailer.Having an underpowered vehicle to barely pull a trailer on the highway is,well it should be criminal. the vehicle should be powerful enough to pull it up steep grades without obstructing traffic passing too much,and also be able to control the weight of that trailer by having a low gear setting and very good brakes and emergency brakes.If you intend to pull any trailer for recreational purposes,look in your vehicle manual for correct procedures and mechanical additions for YOUR safety.Safety on the highway or streets is not only directed toward you,the individual,but to all who use the the public byways.Remember,driving on the public highways is a privilege,not a right.

Answer 5

Main reasons? Impatience and ego. People might not be able to go fast, but they want to get places quicker. Having gobs and gobs of power means being able to pass somebody is a hell of a lot easier than with a little 2L engine. Having a big, fat engine at your disposal means defending your ego at the green light. I wouldn't be surprised if the number of people who can actually use their horses for major speed was low.