Limited top speed, why do you care?

[CraigW]

I made a side comment on another thread about wishing how the AWD models came with an all-season tire instead of summer-only tires. One person responded with the following:

That is a BIG point of contention. Lots of discussion in these threads about it. When the car comes with the all-weather tires, the computer top speed limit is 140mph. On the 19" performance tires it's 167mph. For most of us, that doesn't matter, but for a lot of us it does, or it might affect resale value. Just be aware of that limitation. Switching back to 19" wheels will NOT remove the 140mph limit and it apparently cannot be changed by the dealer.

I'm trying to understand why anyone would care, other than bragging rights. Clearly 140 mph (or 130 mph or whatever the real number is) is well above the legal speed limit anywhere in the US. And even if you don't care what the legal speed limit is, it's just common sense that 140 mph is even way too fast for a public road.

I've looked on-line and the best 1/4 speed I've found is 111 mph, still well below the max.

So the only thing I've got left to conclude is perhaps taking the car to the track. Is anyone really planning on taking their $50k car to the racetrack and risking destroying it?

I could sort of see the resale issue, because as these cars get older and less expensive you probably will see more of them being taken to the track. But even at the track 140 mph is a pretty decent speed for an amateur.

Seriously, I really want to know why it seems to be such a big deal.

 

[STNGRNV]

1. Because a lot of people take their cars to the track or places where they can legally open it up.
2. Spending this kind of money you kind of want to get what was advertised.
3. "Murica"

 

[iclicku]

I made a side comment on another thread about wishing how the AWD models came with an all-season tire instead of summer-only tires. One person responded with the following:



I'm trying to understand why anyone would care, other than bragging rights. Clearly 140 mph (or 130 mph or whatever the real number is) is well above the legal speed limit anywhere in the US. And even if you don't care what the legal speed limit is, it's just common sense that 140 mph is even way too fast for a public road.

I've looked on-line and the best 1/4 speed I've found is 111 mph, still well below the max.

So the only thing I've got left to conclude is perhaps taking the car to the track. Is anyone really planning on taking their $50k car to the racetrack and risking destroying it?

I could sort of see the resale issue, because as these cars get older and less expensive you probably will see more of them being taken to the track. But even at the track 140 mph is a pretty decent speed for an amateur.

Seriously, I really want to know why it seems to be such a big deal.

I applaud the effort. While I haven't weighed in on this topic and dont intend to, I want to say that it's nice to see someone trying to understand the opposing view.

 

[Kia Stinger]

I made a side comment on another thread about wishing how the AWD models came with an all-season tire instead of summer-only tires. One person responded with the following:



I'm trying to understand why anyone would care, other than bragging rights. Clearly 140 mph (or 130 mph or whatever the real number is) is well above the legal speed limit anywhere in the US. And even if you don't care what the legal speed limit is, it's just common sense that 140 mph is even way too fast for a public road.

I've looked on-line and the best 1/4 speed I've found is 111 mph, still well below the max.

So the only thing I've got left to conclude is perhaps taking the car to the track. Is anyone really planning on taking their $50k car to the racetrack and risking destroying it?

I could sort of see the resale issue, because as these cars get older and less expensive you probably will see more of them being taken to the track. But even at the track 140 mph is a pretty decent speed for an amateur.

Seriously, I really want to know why it seems to be such a big deal.

Like you said, for some people it's bragging rights (my car is faster than your car), for others it's legal track racing, illegal street racing, ease of resale, or simply principle.

 

[mldavis2]

To most of us it just doesn't matter. It might matter on resale when some younger kid buys the car who can't afford a new one. I've had my GTO at 135mph to see how it handles at that speed on a deserted interstate highway but I'd never run much over 100mph anywhere, any time. It's a big deal because it was advertised at 167mph and some people think they aren't getting what they paid for. I just wanted the summer tires and the 19" wheels.

 

[ScottE]

I made a side comment on another thread about wishing how the AWD models came with an all-season tire instead of summer-only tires

My AWD came with 19" wheels and summer tires - the Michelin Sport Pilot 4. I'm not going to get into the rest of this debate, but wanted to point out that it's not tied to AWD as far as I know.

 

[Clearly Canadian]

I made a side comment on another thread about wishing how the AWD models came with an all-season tire instead of summer-only tires. One person responded with the following:



I'm trying to understand why anyone would care, other than bragging rights. Clearly 140 mph (or 130 mph or whatever the real number is) is well above the legal speed limit anywhere in the US. And even if you don't care what the legal speed limit is, it's just common sense that 140 mph is even way too fast for a public road.

I've looked on-line and the best 1/4 speed I've found is 111 mph, still well below the max.

So the only thing I've got left to conclude is perhaps taking the car to the track. Is anyone really planning on taking their $50k car to the racetrack and risking destroying it?

I could sort of see the resale issue, because as these cars get older and less expensive you probably will see more of them being taken to the track. But even at the track 140 mph is a pretty decent speed for an amateur.

Seriously, I really want to know why it seems to be such a big deal.

Never underestimate bragging rights.

 

[bugaboo90]

Ditto what others said. I got the 18 inch because I have add and want a cat right the and there and 18 was available. Plus I think 18 likely gives better rise which is more important to be the speed. But bragging rights and getting what was advertised was my main reason for higher speed limit.

 

[PA_RN]

Because I bought a product at the same price point that doesn't perform the same. It was also not disclosed at the time of purchase and was not clearly stated on the paperwork.

 

[mldavis2]

Because I bought a product at the same price point that doesn't perform the same. It was also not disclosed at the time of purchase and was not clearly stated on the paperwork.

It is on the spec sheet that your dealer used to order the all-weather tires. I custom-ordered my Stinger and it was there. Talk to your dealer who ordered the car.

 

[Expert4]

I think many that have purchased this vehicle with 18’s and not being fully aware of the speed limiter feel deceived and while I agree most won’t push the full limits of the top end I still side with them that they should of been disclosed the info before making the purchase.

The disadvantage with getting the 19’s like I did is that I will need to buy winter tires/wheels to be able to drive this car all year round. This will cost me $2500 or more but I’m willing to pay that price to have the top end speed even though I may never really use it.

I have bought 4 different kia vehicles in the last 7-8 years and I have never been happy with the tires from the factory and always seem to feel the need to upgrade them so I am not surprised Kia made the decision to use cheaper and lower rated tires on some of the gt models.

I’m hoping this will become a non issue to all the new upcoming stinger owners if Kia starts to better educate their dealers and consumers before the time of purchase.

 

[BarryLI]

Not being able to go 167 in my Stinger is as disappointing as not having Elton John perform in my living room, it would be nice but I can live without it.

 

[mldavis2]

It is a failure of the dealer and/or the salesman who did not know their product. I am continually frustrated when I go look at cars because no one can answer most of my questions after I have done my preliminary research. They are purely salesmen, not tech advisors for the most part. If you find a salesman who is a real gearhead, give him some business. Stay away from the others.

As I said, the information was plainly stated on the spec sheet they use to order options, and it is in the user manual as well, neither of which most customers are likely to see when buying a car.

 

[ibmaxx]

Not being able to go 167 in my Stinger is as disappointing as not having Elton John perform in my living room, it would be nice but I can live without it.

If Elton John was to perform in MY living room I would need the 167mph Stinger to get away. Hopefully escape velocity would be achieved.

 

[xot1]

One day if I need to run away from a tsunami, a tornado or some kind of alien monster, I want my 170mph top speed.

 

[xot1]

Btw, is the official top speed 167mph?
I have seen several people reaching 171mph.

 

[RUGGLES99]

Whiners!!!!!

 

[Never thought]

One day if I need to run away from a tsunami, a tornado or some kind of alien monster, I want my 170mph top speed.

Dude, you forgot zombie apocalypse.

 

[xot1]

Dude, you forgot zombie apocalypse.

130mph should be enough to outrun them.

 

[BarryLI]

130mph should be enough to outrun them.

A Yugo should do the trick.