The 1959 MG EX181: Less Power Than A VW Golf R, But As Fast As A Bugatti Veyron

While the Bugatti Veyron is capable of breaking the 250 mph (402 km/h) barrier with 16 cylinders, 16.4 liters, and 1,001 horsepower (1,015 PS/746 kW), the MG EX181 can accomplish it with even less power. DriveTribe reports that in the late '50s, a high-speed experimental automobile was built to set land speed records.

The business opted to demonstrate its better technology by using a customized version of the MGA's motor. When the 1.5-liter motor was initially installed in the MGA's engine room, it produced just 68 hp (69 PS/51 kW), but with the addition of a large supercharger and 32 lbs of boost, it was capable of producing 300 hp (304 PS/224 kW).

Although this is a significant boost, it falls short in contrast to the existing supercars. So the incredible top speed was due to more than simply an increase in power. Some say that the automobile had a drag coefficient of 0.12 due to its form, which was accomplished by making the rear track width smaller than the front. MG stated at the time that the automobile only needed 29 hp (29.4 PS/22 kW) to attain a speed of 100 mph.

Phil Hill, the driver who set the automobile's speed record of 254 mph (409 km/h), reported that the car was so slick that it scarcely slowed when he eased off the pedal. In comparison to current high-speed road automobiles, the MG EX181 seemed to utilize its horsepower quite efficiently. For every horsepower produced by its engine, this incredible vehicle travels 0.84 mph. In contrast, the Bugatti Veyron has a top speed of 0.23 mph for every horsepower.