400HP too much power for a 19/20yr old?

Trmachuno · 11-15-2007, 11:34 AM

I want everyone's opinion on this. I have been thinking and heard from numerous people, that 400hp is too much for a 19/20yr old kid(will be 19 by the summer). So do you guys think 400bhp is too much for a 19yr old kid? If so, post and tell me if you think 300hp is too much, or what is a good max hp car you would let your 19-21yr old kid have. Been thinking about this ever since I decided no more racing.Thanks ahead for the input!

banka87 · 11-15-2007, 11:41 AM

Ha...when I was 18 I would have killed myself with a car like yours.

bigslick087 · 11-15-2007, 11:49 AM

puh.... I had a 600hp saleen when I was 17. It depends on their maturity level I think.

Jsierzega · 11-15-2007, 11:56 AM

+1 on the maturity level. physically a 20 yearold has the potential to be a better drive then a 40 yearold, quicker reflexes, and vision and what not but experience does help. i say 400 is fine

Dwisforme05 · 11-15-2007, 12:11 PM

i think its fine as long as no one revs at you, thats when the 19 year old mentality kicks in and you go after him lol. im only 17 and im happy with the power i have in my car right now. now im just working on more suspension to get it to the ground better.

legendlime05 · 11-15-2007, 12:14 PM

im 19 and im fine with my power now. its enough for me to have fun and not over do it

Trmachuno · 11-15-2007, 12:21 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Dwisforme05

i think its fine as long as no one revs at you, thats when the 19 year old mentality kicks in and you go after him lol. im only 17 and im happy with the power i have in my car right now. now im just working on more suspension to get it to the ground better.

Rear lower control arms? Or are you waiting for a t-lok and gears? Either way, t-lok and/or control arms will help you with traction a lot.

acascianelli · 11-15-2007, 12:27 PM

Generally speaking, yes. But it is really a subjective question. You can drive like an idiot no matter how much horsepower you have. Maturity of the driver has alot to do with it. I was lucky enough not to have gotten in any serious trouble with my old car when I was younger and it only had 160hp. Not all cars will handle the same with a give horsepower, a 450hp Mustang for example will be much more difficult to drive then say an Audi RS6. I'm 24, and have had my car for over a year now, but it still manages to scare me sometimes when I do aggressive driving. My brother has a Cobra with 520whp that I can honestly say I'm afraid to drive.

Sancho805 · 11-15-2007, 01:03 PM

EXPERIENCE, EXPERIENCE, EXPERIENCE!!!......the earlier comment about a kid having quicker reflexes can be true but what good is quicker reflexes when you have no knowledge/experience? i agree about the maturity level playing a factor on the age. if an 18 year old shows more maturity than a 28 year old, then age does not matter at all in that situation. the thing is, how many 18 years are really that mature?.....not many. they themselves realize how stupid they used to think at 18 when they get to be 28 or older......i did.

one more thing.....in general, they will appreciate that kind of power at an older age MUCH MORE than when they are still teenagers. JMO.

kngdaka · 11-15-2007, 01:14 PM

These V6 mustangs are perfect for the teen driver. Theres really not enough power to kill yourself without trying, and theres enough power for some fairly safe fun (jackrabbit starts from lights, lane changes, etc) Its all about being mature though. If you're not going to drive like a jerk-off all the time and your going to be safe for most of your driving, 400 is fine. Its good power for the track. But yes, when someone revs at you, I really see no harm in flexing the muscle a bit provided the conditions are ideal. I usually only take those challenges on this one road where the speed limit is 55, where its 2 lanes with a bunch of lights. Race to 60 and cut it. Its when you decide to race to 130-140 where its dangerous.