Is there such a thing as too much horsepower?

Horsepower, be it 90 or 1000, has been used to keep cars moving forward while on a journey. Sometimes it is used in a motor sport, sometimes events not even related racing. Today, manufacturers are building cars with so much power, that it doesn't seem like it is necessary. Some people say you can never have too much horsepower while others say otherwise. Here are my thoughts on the topic.

Automotive enthusiasts love talking about how much power their particular car has or what a dream car is rated at. For instance, my dream car that is achievable at the moment is the 2014-2015 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. It has a 7.0L 427 cubic inch V8 pumping out 505 horsepower.

It doesn't seem like much but with the proper aerodynamic system and balanced braking and suspension set-up, it did the Nurburgring in under 7 minutes and 38 seconds.

Today, we see people like Koenigsegg and Bugatti, who both just recently broke a few land speed records, have cars with over 1000 horsepower. From my knowledge, horsepower keeps are going fast. The higher the power, the potential higher the top speed of the car.

Image: motortrend.com

Image: motortrend.com

With that being said, manufacturers are producing cars with well over 1000 horsepower and selling them to the public.

I have a few questions.

Why sell cars to the public with that much power to the masses? Why sell cars to people who aren't going to take them to the full potential anywhere? Why sell a car when all it is going to see is the inside of a garage? Lastly, how can people be sure manufacturers are not –forgive my censorship – b***s******g these horsepower numbers?

Mainly, I am sure, it is all to make money. But maybe, what manufacturers can do is instead of selling these cars, why not turn them into amusement rides?

For Koenigsegg and Bugatti, they can send their cars to different parts of the world with tracks where the full potential of the car can be felt and seen. Open the gates to people who will pay for drivers to take them around the track, or even hit high speeds to feel the entire ferocity these cars can show. Make their money like that.

Maybe we can see manufacturers head in this direction to give people an experience that can't be beat, unless people pay to learn how to drive these cars on the track and end up as a member. (Note: If this idea is used, I take full credit and want what is owed to me).

Photo: Bugatti

Photo: Bugatti

So, is there a such thing as too much horsepower? The answer is yes, in most cases.

Who in the world is going to use all of that power to its full potential? Barely anyone. It is a complete waste. Why? Because these cars will spend 95% percent of its life in a garage with almost no miles on the clock. Owners will only enjoy the fact that they have that power at their feet. And no, I am not a hater, I love the fact that horsepower numbers are greater than what we saw in the 60's. I can imagine the barriers we can break with horsepower increasing. It almost seems limitless, but manufacturers should leave this to those who want to break these records because it's pretty much a waste of money for these cars not to be enjoyed.

Manufacturers should build just one car to a high spec, break barriers with it, and put it in a museum. To increase money and profits, build a tribute car to make people feel special and that they're contributing towards their success. If not, just let the enthusiasts be the ones breaking records. Not manufacturers. Give me your thoughts in the comments below.

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