down hill with a good breeze.. :ah:

On an engine standpoint take a look at the numbers: (info. per Wikipedia)
This does not consider body weight, aerodynamics...etc..etc..

Porsche 986
MY 1997
2.5L 150 kW (204 PS; 201hp)
MY 2000
2.7L 162 kW (220 PS; 217 hp)
3.2L 186 kW (253 PS; 249 hp) Boxster S introduced
MY 2003
2.7L 170 kW (231 PS; 228 hp)
3.2L 190 kW (258 PS; 255 hp)
MY 2004
3.2L 194 kW (264 PS; 260 hp)***

Toyota/Lotus

Engine(s) 3.5 L Toyota 2GR-FE V6 (280 PS (276 hp/206 kW)*** venza highlander, camry, avalon, Evora

***260hp vs. 276hp: thats quite a difference don't you think, eh ;)

You can't judge a cars top speed by its horsepower alone. Like you said, leaving body weight (doesn't effect top speed much) and aerodynamics out is just part of it. There are other things to consider such as gear ratios (transmission and final drive) which I think would play an equally large role and little things such as roll resistance.

I had a Camaro SS a few years back that had over 330hp, but couldn't go 170 mph...

Didnt i just said "on a purely engine standpoint" on my original post.
That DOES NOT include other variables such as weight, aerodynamics, gear ratios, roll resistance , driving techniques...etc..etc... :cool:

Weight doesn't effect top speed much? I guess that 500lbs+ weight diference between the Celica, and the Elise is not a big factor at all (same identical engines):o ; and how about the hulking weight of the Camaros??

Oh dear my dad's Camry is so soft and body roll-ish that Lotus would pretty much ruin their name if they tried making something like that!

Or maybe putting the engine in the middle can make any car a fast hard racer? (Bedford Rascal woo hoo!)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...t_20071114.jpg

Weight is a very small factor in top speed unless its an extremely substantial difference. Most cars produce a significant amount of lift at high speeds and at times likes this the extra weight can actually be beneficial for maintaining enough friction with the ground (or downforce can be used, but that creates aerodynamic drag).

A Camry can easily go 170mph, just drop it off a really high cliff.