Modern urban driving is an exercise in starting and stopping. Chronically congested avenues provide few chances to personally determine how rapidly a car accelerates, but there are situations that demand a rapid response in order to avoid a fender-bender or to merge into fast traffic. Most commuters have little opportunity to test the limits of their vehicles, but Honda Accord 0-60 figures spotlight the possibilities.
Acceleration testing first began in the late 1940s, and Detroit-made vehicles posted times exceeding sixteen seconds. Although those figures seem alarmingly sluggish today, the following decade saw major increases in speed. The sixties ushered in the space age, and the cars built during that time benefited from the new technology, halving earlier records. The swiftest could match a time of seven seconds.
During the 1970s the first major energy crisis was a harbinger of decreasing performance. Unleaded fuel became mandatory, and new cars were required to be built with emission control devices that rolled back engine performance by several years. Even the mightiest muscle cars felt the pain by slowing down a little. New engine designs eventually solved earlier problems, allowing new models to turn in better statistics.
Most vehicles are now able to hit sixty miles per hour in under nine seconds, and even some mini-vans beat the best times posted by esoteric sports models of the past. Not only do most new cars today exceed the old statistics, but they also average nearly twice as many miles per gallon. Although the days of driving across the country on impulse are mostly gone, cars built today could easily meet that challenge.
A true car enthusiast will check the acceleration specs before looking at the price tag, but many people simply find the information esoteric. In reality, some test vehicles are fitted with launch technology, are wearing sticky tires designed for quick starts, and are encouraged by all-wheel drive technology. Many can complete the course in less than four seconds, a very impressive potential.
Because most records are ultimately broken, the best times will inch even lower. Those who primarily drive out of necessity should be aware that a good rating indicates a high level of performance. It can be especially helpful when a rapid response is needed to avoid a mishap. Having confidence that a particular vehicle can deftly maneuver when required is important when safety is a primary concern.
Accords are a fine example of that capability. Most new models delivered by this Japanese corporation test within a 5.5 to 7.6 second spectrum. Earlier models still being used may add up to 8 seconds, but most drivers find new-model response to be completely satisfactory. The solid, reliable engine design coupled with very high production values compensates for any differences.
The quoted figures can vary in real driving situations. Poorly maintained roads degrade performance, and standard tires can slightly slow things down. The weight of passengers or cargo can also contribute to diminished standing acceleration. Even weather conditions play a part. The real test is personal, and includes real-time driving under a wide variety of conditions, giving potential buyers a true feel of performance.
Acceleration testing first began in the late 1940s, and Detroit-made vehicles posted times exceeding sixteen seconds. Although those figures seem alarmingly sluggish today, the following decade saw major increases in speed. The sixties ushered in the space age, and the cars built during that time benefited from the new technology, halving earlier records. The swiftest could match a time of seven seconds.
During the 1970s the first major energy crisis was a harbinger of decreasing performance. Unleaded fuel became mandatory, and new cars were required to be built with emission control devices that rolled back engine performance by several years. Even the mightiest muscle cars felt the pain by slowing down a little. New engine designs eventually solved earlier problems, allowing new models to turn in better statistics.
Most vehicles are now able to hit sixty miles per hour in under nine seconds, and even some mini-vans beat the best times posted by esoteric sports models of the past. Not only do most new cars today exceed the old statistics, but they also average nearly twice as many miles per gallon. Although the days of driving across the country on impulse are mostly gone, cars built today could easily meet that challenge.
A true car enthusiast will check the acceleration specs before looking at the price tag, but many people simply find the information esoteric. In reality, some test vehicles are fitted with launch technology, are wearing sticky tires designed for quick starts, and are encouraged by all-wheel drive technology. Many can complete the course in less than four seconds, a very impressive potential.
Because most records are ultimately broken, the best times will inch even lower. Those who primarily drive out of necessity should be aware that a good rating indicates a high level of performance. It can be especially helpful when a rapid response is needed to avoid a mishap. Having confidence that a particular vehicle can deftly maneuver when required is important when safety is a primary concern.
Accords are a fine example of that capability. Most new models delivered by this Japanese corporation test within a 5.5 to 7.6 second spectrum. Earlier models still being used may add up to 8 seconds, but most drivers find new-model response to be completely satisfactory. The solid, reliable engine design coupled with very high production values compensates for any differences.
The quoted figures can vary in real driving situations. Poorly maintained roads degrade performance, and standard tires can slightly slow things down. The weight of passengers or cargo can also contribute to diminished standing acceleration. Even weather conditions play a part. The real test is personal, and includes real-time driving under a wide variety of conditions, giving potential buyers a true feel of performance.
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