I have respect for imported cars. Don't get me wrong, I hate "rice". What I think is funny is that here in the US all people care about is DRAG RACING. You think you are cool cuz you can beat that TT supra off the line, but, get out on the open road and I bet you never see any thing but his tips as he pulls away after that 1/4 mile. People I know couldn't care less if their car tops out at 100 mph as long as it gets them there in 10 seconds. They couldn't care less if their 10 second car tips over taking a corner at 20 mph. There are OTHER forms of racing. Some of the fastest cars in the world, F1 cars, used offenhueser (sp) DOHC, turbo charged 4 cylinders in the not too distant past. That is a 1.5 liter motor, and they can go 220 mph all day long. I think the Offys would still be competative and definately spank your v-8. Why run a 502 big block when you can crank up a 1.5 liter 4 cylinder to 18000 rpms. But in the end it doesn't matter, the speed limit is still 55 mph.
Just my .02

I will now put on the flame proof suit

 

Exactly, many of our cars are geared for street use. There aren't too many places where you can get up to top speed and actually keep it there.

I mean seriously, how often do you have a chance to hit over 100 on your way to school/work? But think about how many times you get stuck at a light?

Personally, I've always liked the fast acceleration better, it's more of a rush than just cruising around at 100+ (although I'm sure that can get interesting).

 

Well i aint gonna flame u, cause its all about opinions.

But in my opinion its drag racing, and if u have a 9 sec car with top speed 140mph u probably get more respect, than if u had instead a 13 sec car with a top speed of say 220mph.
Point is that most people determine a cars performance by 1/4 times, and who cares about top speed, its not like u can go 120 mph anytime.

So what if the speed limit is 65, the point is HOW FAST U CAN GET TO 65!

Oh and i'm sure a 1.5 engine tuned to 220mph would be ALOT more expensive than working on a 502.

 

i have to agree with wes2k3. drag racing isn't everything...... i like to have a car that is fast as well as handle like it on rails. i too like to do top-end racing.... not just 1/4 mile. as for the 4 banger i could care less for it .

 

Top speed driving is probably fun... out on the salt flats of Bonny. You ever go 135MPH+ on the street? I have, out in the country, and very briefly. I wouldn't do it too many places in the city. I wouldn't even attempt 200+ MPH unless at a designated top speed event or track. BUT, on the street, you can easily race the guy next to you at the light up to 100 MPH.

The real reason I like drag racing best is b/c of the way it feels to be pushed back in your seat, compared to just cruising at a high speed or turning a bunch of corners. Just personal opinion.

 

Are there autobahns in America...no

There are streets and thererfore there will be "street racing"

Its all about 1/4th times here.