12-25-2008, 04:09 PM
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#2 (permalink)
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Track Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Glen Burnie, Maryland
Posts: 917
Drives: 09 Blk 6mt
Rep Power: 18
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Quote:
"Governor limited" top speed means that the manufacturer put some sort of device in the car, called a governor, to restrict the top speed to a preset level. With modern cars, this is typically programmed into the car's ECU and the fuel injection is cut off when the governor speed is reached to keep the car from accelerating to higher speeds. Governor limited cars are typically physically capable of going faster if the governor is removed. A lot of cars have governor limited top speeds.
"Redline limited" top speed is the maximum speed the vehicle will reach at redline RPM in its highest gear. If a car's top speed is redline limited, it means that the car's top speed is limited by how fast the engine can spin. With different gearing, a redline limited car could potentially go faster.
"Drag limited" means that the top speed is limited by drag forces (aerodynamics being the primary drag force) acting on the car. When drag forces on the car match the thrust that the engine can generate at the wheels, the car will stop accelerating. The car basically just runs out of steam. The speed at which the drag force equals the thrust force is the drag limited top speed.
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Found here
Re: Gov ltd vs Drag ltd - Car and Driver FAQ - Car and Driver Forums
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