Re: High RPMs at highway speed?

[PlyBoyDoct@aol.com]

In a message dated 6/7/99 4:45:51 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
sefisher@cisco.com writes:

> Why is the Alfa motor built like this?  Because it was legal, when the
>  engine was designed, to travel at unlimited speeds on the Italian
>  autostrada, but gasoline cost $5.00 a gallon and there were progressive
>  taxes on engine displacement.  Little engines don't use much gas, but
>  they also don't produce much power unless you rev the hell out of 'em,
>  so you end up with a small, low-tax, fuel-efficient engine that, if you
>  rev the hell out of it, acts like a race motor.  Of course, it's also
>  because the Italians are all crazy, which may also have some bearing on
>  why I own two Italian cars (and one drawn by an Italian).

I own a 89 200 FWD slushbox, and the car is able to get to about 120-125mph.  
This is @ redline.  How do these cars keep up on the Autobahn?  Don't they 
have automactics in Germany?  I have heard people cruising at 160 all day 
long.  Does the 200 with slush just sit there on the right lane or is the 
gear ratio different for Autos in Germany?

Jason C
89 200t10v
Redmond WA