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James May slams obsession with meaningless performance figures

In a recent Daily Telegraph article, James May brings up an interesting topic that is often discussed by members on this site; power vs. performance.

 

May writes: “Power is a wonderful thing, but there is a point beyond which it becomes not only facile but is in danger, as WO Bentley might have said, of corrupting performance. I still believe that the pleasure of driving comes not from the absolutes of performance, but from the nature of its delivery. I would argue that Mazda’s MX-5, although not especially fast in outright terms, is a high-performance car because it heightens the sensations relayed during driving.”

 

We definitely think May is on to something here and recommend checking out the full article.

 

Tags:  james may, performance
Comments: 2 Views: 125

Comments:

  1. Posted: Feb 25 2011
    By: RMURPHY195
    Spot on! Don't laugh but some years ago when I had a 2 litre cavalier (quite nippy by my standards) I bemoaned that fact that although it was capable of wizzing along twisty country lanes at the maximum legal speed with ease, it wasn't much fun.

    Then I bought my wife an old Chevette (rear wheel drive, rubber band for an engine) - and in comparison it was fun! Neither were sports or performance cars, but hopefully the point is made.

    The MX5 is perfectly capable of going along twisty country lanes at maximum legal speeds, but it feels more like fun! Best of both worlds, and a few others too, but without some of the Chevette's (or Spitfire's) challenges.
  2. Posted: Mar 04 2011
    By: VO5 Jo
    Astute fella, Captain Slow, ain't he? :0)