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Much over 70, and you risk other drivers misjudging how fast you are coming up on them, and they may pull in front of you, thinking they have lots of space or time.
And it only takes one to mess up your (and their) whole day.
Too fast is being the fastest car in sight. BTW, best way to avoid a ticket is to make sure you can see somebody who is going faster than you are. Cops can see him, too.
This depends completely on the vehicle. If I am driving a Ford Explorer, I wouldn't go above 80. If I am in an M3 or similar type sports car, I'd go well over 100. Again, as you noted, this is with zero traffic and zero laws. Also, not sure why an "East Coast" state matters.
This depends completely on the vehicle. If I am driving a Ford Explorer, I wouldn't go above 80. If I am in an M3 or similar type sports car, I'd go well over 100. Again, as you noted, this is with zero traffic and zero laws. Also, not sure why an "East Coast" state matters.
East coast matters because road conditions and visibility distance and animal incursions are far different than in the desert west and central part of the country.
In the counterfactual thought experiment of zero laws and zero traffic, I would drive on the interstates at the maximum mechanical capacity of my car, as the two great inhibiting factors - fear of punishment, and fear of causing harm to others - are obviated.
Personally, I've had my 1988 convertible up to 120 on the highway when it was new. It was stable but I did feel significant sideways G's going around a sweeping 45° bend. Also at that speed, the tops of the windows were being sucked outwards on those corners. So for that car, I feel that 115 - 120 is a fair limit.
On the other hand, my 1994 sport coupe felt planted and firm at 140, I could still feel the Gs and for that reason chose to slow for curves to avoid some sand or water on the road incident that would end my day. About the same can be said for my SUV.
So overall, I'd have to say that on relatively straight roads, I'd be comfortable with 120-140 speeds. The cars feel stable and safe, but I'd definitely slow for curves because the Gs will wear you out.
Animal wise. I feel that if anything hits you - or you hit something crossing the road - it's probably curtains at any speed over 70.
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I-70 or I-80, in my Bentley or Ferrari, I could easily see doing well over 120mph if there is no traffic and no legal constraints. I'd cruise at that speed all day. The only issues I see are deer.
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