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horsepower
- Thread starter TTA 1077
- Start date
Rodimus_Prime
Well-Known Member
Theres more left, with more and more companies going back to forced induction the horsepower isn't going to go down. It's like the 80s all over again, smaller displacement with boost and the return of diesel.
TC Turbo
Well-Known Member
I agree there's plenty more HP left to sell. I'm just worried that with the Government calling the shots for the manufacturers (well GM and Chrysler anyway) because of the bail out money the HP tap may be shut off like in 1971. Gotta sell us 40 mpg shoeboxes if they can't make us ride the train or a bicycle to work! I love 30+ mpg turbo 4 bangers I just haven't found one yet that'll pull my car trailer!
As an indication Ferrari is working on smaller force feed engines so ... I say more HP for sure 
RatFink
TORQUE
Gasoline is for suckers, instant torque...
http://www.teslamotors.com/performance/acceleration_and_torque.php
http://www.teslamotors.com/performance/acceleration_and_torque.php
I think due to the CAFE standards getting tighter, the focus is going to be on mileage for a while. Fast cars are fine as a segment, but every grocery getter doesn't need to run like a sports car. My full size six cylinder sport utility runs about as fast as my new '87 GTA 350 TPI ran back in the day.
My opinion is that horsepower should continue to slowly climb for true performance cars and the rest of the cars should sacrifice a little horsepower for increased MPG. My stock Corvette with the base engine is only a few tenths away from the 11's in the quarter - it is difficult to safely use that much horsepower on the street as it is - not sure we need much more.
My opinion is that horsepower should continue to slowly climb for true performance cars and the rest of the cars should sacrifice a little horsepower for increased MPG. My stock Corvette with the base engine is only a few tenths away from the 11's in the quarter - it is difficult to safely use that much horsepower on the street as it is - not sure we need much more.
ROBERTDMERRILL
Active Member
I agree I think we are at a peak. And I think we are seeing something new that we did not see in the 70's, 4-door muscle cars. In the 70's they only had 2 door muscle car, now we have cars like the CST-V, M5, AMG that have over 500hp, sub 4 sec 0-60 , 12 sec quarter and handle/brake excellant. Now instead of just being a car for single people, now you can take the whole family on a ride.
I actually think this is better then the old heavy 2-door muscle car of the 70's.
I am glad I lived through this because this will never happen again.
Robn
I actually think this is better then the old heavy 2-door muscle car of the 70's.
I am glad I lived through this because this will never happen again.
Robn
I'm in agreement that we are seeing a peak in HP right now. And not only HP but performance in general. Who would have thought we'd see a 600+hp monster like the Corvette ZR1 even 5 or 10 years ago?
And the muscle cars of the 60s and 70s are, to put it mildly, old school. HP numbers back then were not rated the same and many of those cars today would be embarrased by the average minivan. And I say that knowing there is a test to back up the statement. If you've ever watched "Dream Car Garage" they have a small test track. They pitted a 70s muscle car, I believe it was a Challenger, against a Honda Odyssey minivan. To be fair, the Challenger was much heavier so they loaded the minivan with 4 or 5 cheerleaders to even the weight out. Around their small track which tests acceleration, braking, and handling the minivan spanked the muscle car. I'm sure the video is out there somewhere on the web but I couldn't find it.
And the muscle cars of the 60s and 70s are, to put it mildly, old school. HP numbers back then were not rated the same and many of those cars today would be embarrased by the average minivan. And I say that knowing there is a test to back up the statement. If you've ever watched "Dream Car Garage" they have a small test track. They pitted a 70s muscle car, I believe it was a Challenger, against a Honda Odyssey minivan. To be fair, the Challenger was much heavier so they loaded the minivan with 4 or 5 cheerleaders to even the weight out. Around their small track which tests acceleration, braking, and handling the minivan spanked the muscle car. I'm sure the video is out there somewhere on the web but I couldn't find it.
gatorlance
Well-Known Member
Muscle cars are impressive and I like to see them in town and in car shows. But for me personally, I like something with better handling. Among a few other cars, I have a 91 GTA that is basically stock except for suspension mods and an exhaust. It's still fun (to me) but I'm sure even a V6 Accord from 2007 could probably take it based on improvements in horsepower cars. That said, it's still an Accord that you see on the road vs. the TTA and GTA which are much sexier looking cars and still a heck of a lot of fun to drive.
But as far as HP goes, I agree that we are seeing the peak now. I'm very interested to see where the electric models go as they will be able to develop monster TQ numbers. Those will be fun...
But as far as HP goes, I agree that we are seeing the peak now. I'm very interested to see where the electric models go as they will be able to develop monster TQ numbers. Those will be fun...
