"He wouldn't have hit 88mph. "

The 'PRV' (Peugeot, Renault, Volvo) engine use in the DeLorean is a 2.8L with a whopping 130HP output. With a 2,700 pound car that is not that sporty. In comparison a Lotus Elan of that era weighed about 1,600 pounds and had a much smaller 4 banger that produces about the same HP. With a 1,600 pound car a 130HP makes for a sporty ride.

I had to make my first 'road trip' in my new to me 2011 ranger (4.0 V6) this past Monday. While passing a couple of slow trucks on a two lane road I looked at the speedo when I felt the front end getting a little light and was shocked I was doing 100MPH! My old Toyota with the 3.0V6 would have struggled to get to 100.

But either the 4 banger Ranger of the era or the DeLorean are both more exciting prospects than the time machine built from a refrigerator that was the original idea.