Alright buckle up folks ’cause today I got curious as heck about something basic – how fast can regular cars actually go? Like seriously push ’em to the limit? Found all these wild top speed claims online but nobody seemed to test real-world junk. Time for some backyard science.
Grab Your Tools & Hit The Road
First things first, needed stuff to actually measure this madness safely. Dug around my garage like a raccoon.
- Found that dusty GPS speedometer app – better than trusting my dashboard right?
- Charged my ancient GoPro – duct-taped it upside down like a pro.
- Borrowed my buddy’s slightly sketchy radar gun thingamajig.
- Chugged two energy drinks for maximum focus. Don’t try this at home kids.
Hit this massive abandoned industrial park lot – good concrete, zero traffic cops. Perfect. Felt like a secret agent testing prototypes.
Testing My Family Minivan? Seriously?
Yeah let’s start with the lamest thing I own first. My 2012 Odyssey grocery-getter. Always felt slow as cold molasses.
- Cruised to a steady 80 mph no sweat – yawn.
- Pressed that pedal down harder. Engine started SCREAMING like a banshee.
- Hit 100 mph and the whole van SHAKES like Jell-O. Steering felt lighter than a feather.
- Maxed out at 114 mph. Dashboard warning lights lit up like Christmas. Immediately backed off – family hauler was NOT built for this.
Okay Now My “Sporty” Daily Driver
Switched to my 2018 Camry V6. Supposedly has decent pep right? Let’s see what Toyota gave us.
- 80 to 100 mph feels shockingly smooth and planted. Quiet even.
- Pushed past 110 mph. Wind noise gets LOUD. Doors rattling slightly.
- Managed 124 mph before electronic nannies kicked in hard. Car just said “NOPE.” GPS confirmed it.
Respectable! Faster than I expected honestly.
Then Tried My Uncle’s Muscle Car
Convinced him to let me test his garage queen – a 2020 Mustang GT. This thing practically BEGS for speed.
- Rolled onto the highway – felt illegal just starting it up. V8 rumble vibrates your bones.
- 80 mph feels like 50 mph. Effortless.
- Punched it. Hits 110 mph INSTANTLY. Your face gets pulled back like silly putty.
- Topped out at a screaming 158 mph! Ran out of road WAY too fast. Scary fast. My hands were glued to the wheel sweat dripping.
What Actually Stops Most Cars?
After nearly losing my lunch testing these, I get why speeds are capped. It ain’t just the engine. Physics fights back HARD.
- Wind resistance is BRUTAL after 100 mph. Like trying to run through chest-high water.
- Factory tires? Forget it. They feel squirmy and soft at insane speeds.
- Most brakes turn into wet noodles trying to stop you.
- Computers cut power WAY before parts fly off. Your wallet protection system.
Learned most cars hit 90-110 mph surprisingly easy if you ignore the noise and fear. Beyond that? Specialized territory. Felt humbled (and kinda terrified) by that Mustang. Speed ain’t a game. Safety first always.