Hey guys, I just used this lil formula of mine to find the theoretical top speeds of 3 cars, a stock Lan Evo VIII GSR (6 speed), Honda S2000, and Niko FX's 2001 Civic LX coupe.
Using the formula :
Circumferance of tires = Rim diameter plus inner tire wall height (eg 205/40 which is 40% of 205 mm)
Circumferance of tires * Redline RPM/gear reduction ratio
you can figure out your theoretical max speed !!! (more details in my thread on the Technical forums section)
It turns out at 7000 rpm on the 6th gear the Lan Evo VIII GSR does 165 mph,
Honda S2000 does 155 mph at 8000 rpm, and the civic .... pause ... does an astonishing 161 mph at 6800 rpm. The short ratio gearbox of the S2000 has doomed it in this catagory, or has it? Turns out no, the S2000 and most sports cars with this gearbox are designed for acceleration not speed. Since max speeds are rarely ever reached in any type of race or conventional application, acceleration is the deciding factor in strait line performance.
The civic's long ratio gearbox may have a high theoretical speed but since it doesnt have enough power to reach or maintain that speed, that 161mph figure becomes all but useless. THe gearbox does however allow everyday commutes to be effortless (no need to change gears ever 5 seconds) and allows the engine's wide (relatively speaking of course) torque band to be put to use.