The Curious World of Benchmarking
As computer hardware advancements race along, it is frequently hard for even the newest software to actually make the most of the latest innovations. This means that the most advanced computers are for the most part not being pushed to their full potential. While they are able to run the latest software with fantastic smoothness and performance, this still well within the ability of older models as well.
Automobile technology works in a similar manner. The latest and most powerful cars generally use technology that isn’t helpful on normal roadways. There’s really no use for the kind of horsepower that delivers speeds that would guarantee you a first class trip to a jail cell. Although there are some special niche markets where the cutting edge of performance is needed, such as race cars and trucks used for carrying equipment, but the average vehicle owner will never have a legitimate use for such horsepower. Instead, some people who have no real use for it will get costly and overly powerful cars as status symbols.