Originally posted by Dan Nixon:
This really is a stat best gleaned from the mags. You must (like the major mags) have calibrated equipment, a long/level road, and 2-way runs to factor out wind. Cars typically go a few MPH faster when broken in so this can contribute to minor variability as can car to car variation. But the test driver can't really alter the results. Modified cars - who knows but above 130MPH it takes a good HP boost (or better yet, a drag reduction - the opposite of what people usually do with big tires and big wings) to add just a few MPH. At 150-160MPH it takes even more and here you see alot of pretty powerful iron top out. Car has to be real slippery & strong above 160.
Dan - exactly what I was getting at.
Top Speed to me means the best speed a vehicle can attain on a flat with the average of the maximum speed available in opposite directions. Same way they test 'em on the salt flats. Sure, you may hit a high number once on a slight grade, with a bit of a wind, but of what use is that number as a measure of top speed? That is better relegated to the "fastest I have ever had my car going" - but is not necessarily the vehicle's top speed.
Infurym - I am not calling you a liar - I believe you either saw that indicated speed or have attained it on occasion. But I do not believe your car could attain it according to the conditions mentioned by Dan Nixon or the testing procedures of Car and Driver (same thing). But hey - don't worry about trying to prove it on my account - it's not worth the time or the money.
