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Why was 60mph chosen?
Why not 0-55 since that's our National Speed Limit?
Because when 0-60 became the standard, the 55 mph speed limit did not exist yet.
From what I've read, Tom McCahill began the 0-60 mph. I have a Mechanix Illustrated magazine from 1949 in which he tested a '49 Cadillac, Buick and Oldsmobile and there are 0-60 mph times mentioned.
Why was 60mph chosen?
Why not 0-55 since that's our National Speed Limit?
We don't have a national speed limit. The states are allowed to determine the safe speed for a given area. Most have increased the 55 mph limit to 65 mph as the speed increased in the 1990's I think. Then the speed limit was changed again when the Feds let each state decide how fast the speed should be. In California it is 70MPH max, but most people don't obey that. In Utah the speed limit is 80MPH as it is in many other states. Parts of Texas have a 85mph speed limit.
Last edited by SOON2BNSURPRISE; 08-26-2015 at 01:36 PM..
I keep seeing a lot of references to the speed at which a car goes from 0 to 60. While I understand the need to accelerate upon entering the highway, most on-ramps will provide for more than 10 seconds of road.
So if getting up to highway speed isn't the main concern, why is 0 to 60 speed so important?
FYI. I'm a right lane driver and I try to stay within 5 miles over the posted speed limit.
10 sec 1/4 is more fun to drive and 0-200 is more fun to watch.
Why is Navigation important? Why is red paint important? Why are leather seats important? Why are 4 doors important? You see my point? For some, being able to accelerate quickly is an important feature to have and they are willing to pay more for a car to get it. Just like people will pay more to have navigation as a factory option, or they will pay more for leather seats. If 0-60 times aren't important to you, buy a slow car and save some money.
Because I like to get to 60 as fast as possible in my red 4 door car and I use the navigation to get to where I am going while enjoying the leather seats!
We don't have a national speed limit. The states are allowed to determine the safe speed for a given area. Most have increased the 55 mph limit to 65 mph as the speed increased in the 1990's I think. Then the speed limit was changed again when the Feds let each state decide how fast the speed should be. In California it is 70MPH max, but most people don't obey that. In Utah the speed limit is 80MPH as it is in many other states. Parts of Texas have a 85mph speed limit.
Montana had an unlimited speed limit but rather called it "reasonable and prudent" in the 70's and 90's. i think they settled on 80 mph posted speed for now.
Because I like to get to 60 as fast as possible in my red 4 door car and I use the navigation to get to where I am going while enjoying the leather seats!
Can you look in the mirror to make sure you're not me
HEY!!! Right lane driving and following the law is just as valid as being a speed demon.
I want to drive my car and I do drive. I just don't see any need to go fast.
Driving and fast are NOT synonymous.
Actually, being a speed demon is not valid. It's illegal.
OP, I am exactly same way you are. I take R lane and I go 5 above set on cruise control. Happens to be, where I live, it's the fastest way to get across FWY anyway, as for some reason, everyone wants to take "fast" lanes leaving R lane wide open.
Though I do get the macho mojo thing about getting your back jammed into the backrest during take off, I little care about it.
What I do care about though is ability to take fast EVASIVE maneuver. And for that, having a vehicle with a lot of torque at travel speeds is high priority. This is why I totally enjoy my hybrid cars. Generally, I hypermile which equals to rather conscientious driving. But when you need that sudden move, I have very high torque electrical motor that kicks in and propels car fast and furious. And because my hybrid transmissions technically have no gears to shift, pick up is efficient.
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