Engine displacement plays a role in determining a car's top speed, but it is not the sole factor. A larger engine displacement generally means more air and fuel can be burned, which can produce more power and potentially increase top speed. However, other factors such as aerodynamics, weight, gearing, engine efficiency, and electronic speed limiters also significantly impact a car's maximum speed.
For example, a high-performance turbocharged 2.0L engine in a sports car can sometimes achieve higher speeds than a naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 in a heavy truck due to better power-to-weight ratio and advanced engineering. Similarly, modern supercars with smaller but highly efficient engines can outperform older cars with larger displacement engines.
Ultimately, while engine displacement can contribute to higher speed potential, it must be considered alongside other performance factors.
