What kind of car do you drive? My wife and I cruise around in a stunning, spectacular … and terrifically practical minivan à la Ford Windstar. With the need for (infant) carseats, strollers, groceries, diaper bags … that is about as exciting of a vehicle as one can own. We own it because it is practical, roomy, and fits the need of a “family” vehicle, with some room to spare.

We have had our eyes set on other cars in the past. Both the Volvo XC90 and XC70 are on our list of potential future vehicles (still within the “family” framework). Volvo has a reputation of safety and reliability unmatched by any other manufacturer. Although both Volvos are arguably more exciting than our current Ford, they are a far throw from certain other cars.

There are cars that neither you, nor I, are likely to ever drive, let alone own. And we do not even need to throw about specific models when we talk about vehicles like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Koenigsegg, Bugatti, or Yugo (the latter being on the list for entirely different reasons than the first four).

Honestly, have you ever sat in a Ferrari? Ever started a Lamborghini? Ever driven a Bugatti?

I know someone who did, but should not have … External Link

I also know someone who has driven a Koenigsegg … and probably regretted it.

The Koenigsegg, while crossing America on the Gumball rally in 2003, picked up the biggest speeding ticket ever issued: 242mph, in a 75mph zone. And that was an older, less powerful model. The newer models are much, much faster.

Us mere mortals, we can only dream of ever having a first hand encounter with a Ferrari Enzo, McLaren F1, Bugatti Veyron, Koenigsegg CCX, or Lamborghini Murciélago.

Even just reading about these supercars, the facts and statistics are mindblowing and difficult to grasp. Exactly how fast is 250mph? What does it really mean to go from 0–186–0mph in 29.2 seconds? How much power is 1000 HP? And the price of some of these vehicles is astronomical. USD1.25 million? What kind of car could ever command such a price tag?

To give you an idea of the power and speed … let us take a look at the McLaren F1. This particular supercar was, as the name indicates, based on the Formula One racing cars.

Yes, that is indeed a rear wheel drive devouring a 70 second head start … over a course of 3 miles. Amazing.

Now, take that F1 racing car, throw in some modifications, and you have the McLaren F1 “street” model. What is it like to drive one of those? We may never know …

Tiff Needell of Fifth Gear knows!

If you could, which of these supercars would you own? Why?

“It is impossible to travel faster than the speed of light, and certainly not desirable, as one’s hat keeps blowing off.”
Woody Allen (1935–)