How the quoted figures for top speed determined for a car (from 2003)?
To be specific, my 2003 Opel Agila 1.2i has a quoted top speed of 96mph, but I have exceeded this on several occasions on flat ground.
Is it safe to exceed the top speed?
EDIT: I do this on private roads near me, and obviously not public roads!
In general, the max speed in the manual is a guide to tell you how fast it's capable of going. It's likely lower than what it's actually capable of since most buyers won't file suit if a maker under rates a car. There is always a little margin in that so I would not be concerned if you drove a bit faster than the max in the manual. I wouldn't make a habit of it, and I would check that your tires are properly inflated, and that they are rated for the speeds your driving, but in general I wouldn't be worried about exceeding the max speed listed in the manual for short periods.
Hope that helps!
The max speed a vehicle is rated for usually depends on the speed rating of the tires equipped by the OEM. The vehicle can move faster, but the tires are not rated to go faster.
