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If you love the thrill of acceleration, then it's hard to resist getting behind the wheel of a powerful car. You want to feel that instant throttle response, hear the roar of the engine, and enjoy effortless passing power. However, this can be dangerous for those with a "lead foot". In fact, these drivers should probably steer clear of powerful cars.
High-performance vehicles quickly turn exciting speed and handling into expensive traffic tickets and accidents. You might also have to deal with higher insurance premiums. The truth is that certain cars deliver so much power on every ride that it's nearly impossible to stay within the legal limits.
Let's look at three cars that prioritize power and that speed-prone drivers should think twice about owning.
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is legendary for its outrageous speed. It has a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, which produces over 700 horsepower. The Hellcat accelerates explosively and can overwhelm even the most experienced drivers.
The Hellcat's size and weight give it a deceptive feel during highway driving. At triple-digit speeds, it maintains its stability and composure, encouraging drivers to push harder without recognizing how fast they're already going. If you have a lead foot, the combo of comfort, ease, and speed can easily lead to a costly ticket.
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
The modern Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is more than a classic sports car. With a mid-mounted V8 and close to 500 horsepower, the Stingray's throttle is beyond impressive. It can go 0-60 mph in less than three seconds. This level of performance can't be tempered. It will be at your fingertips even when you're merging lanes or driving through a busy city street.
The Stingray's refinement makes it risky for drivers who love speed. The chassis is balanced, and the steering is precise, meaning the car remains calm even when hitting high speeds. This can lull drivers into a false sense of security where they might feel comfortable pushing far beyond legal speed limits without thought.
BMW M5
On the surface, the M5 might look like a typical comfortable luxury sedan. Under the hood, however, tells a different story. It features a twin-turbocharged V8, which generates over 600 horsepower. The M5 poses a danger to aggressive drivers because of how quietly and smoothly it drives at high speeds.
The M5 is adept at high-speed cruising with advanced suspension and sound insulation that disguise how dangerous the situation might be. Drivers with a heavy foot might not realize that they are exceeding speed limits until it's too late.
The market is filled with powerful cars. These engineering marvels are a blast to drive but demand restraint. Vehicles like the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, and BMW M5 make driving at dangerous speeds effortless and accessible with a simple push of a pedal. If you struggle to keep your speed in check, these cars can make your bad driving habits even worse. It's safer and smarter to choose a car with a little less power to enjoy peace of mind and potentially cheaper costs across the board.
