One cannot definitively determine a car's class solely based on its speedometer. Generally, the higher the maximum speed indicated on a vehicle's speedometer (typically 180-260 km/h for regular cars, 260-400 km/h for sports cars), the more powerful the vehicle is. Consequently, such vehicles often have larger engine displacements and are typically considered to be of a higher class. However, there are exceptions. For example, if a vehicle is an SUV that does not prioritize top speed, its speedometer might only go up to 200 km/h. In summary, while the speedometer can be an indicator of a car's class, accurate judgments should consider other factors.
Is a car with a 220 speedometer considered low-end?
Not necessarily. Many high-class models nowadays have speedometers that max out at 220 km/h (like the Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Prado, and Nissan Patrol, which are rugged SUVs). One shouldn't judge a vehicle's class solely based on its speedometer. A comprehensive judgment should take into account the brand, engine displacement, power, type of vehicle, price, and other aspects.
Can the top speed indicated on the dashboard really be achieved?
Even without considering legal restrictions, the top speed displayed on the dashboard is often unattainable. There's a buffer in the indicated top speeds; for example, a speedometer that maxes out at 220 km/h might only allow the car to reach speeds of around 180-200 km/h. Some high-performance sports cars also have electronic speed limiters. Even if the vehicle could theoretically reach a top speed of 300 km/h when it leaves the factory, electronic controls might limit it to about 250 km/h.
