Top Thrill Dragster vs. Kingda Ka

Ever since the unveiling of Kingda Ka, there has been a great debate to figure out which is better- Top Thrill Dragster or Kingda Ka. I'm not writing this to settle the debate, but to let you decide.

Stats:

Kingda Ka-

Max height: 456 feet

Max speed: 128 Mph

2nd hill height: 129 feet

Acceleration: 0-128 in 3.5 seconds

Restraints: Over shoulder

Top Thrill Dragster-

Max height: 420 feet

Max speed: 120 mph

Acceleration: 0-120 in 3 seconds

Restraints: Lap bar

Although it may seem that everyone would think Kingda Ka is better, just because of a few more feet and mph, its definitely not true. Personally, I've only been on TTD, and it was simply unbelievable. After talking firsthand with many friends who have been on Kingda Ka, they say the same. After watching countless POV and offride Kingda Ka videos, there a few things I've noticed that set the two rides apart. When riding TTD, with those few precious moments at the top, you get a breathtaking wiew of the park's other coasters, such as Millennium Force, and of course the expansive lake that surrounds Cedar Point. It seems that Kingda Ka's equivalent is not comparable, just simply concrete and trees. Another important factor is the restraints. On Kingda Ka, you are securly held in by over-shoulder restraints, while on TTD, you are free to move with just a simple lap bar. This truly gives the illusion of danger and falling out. Theming actually plays a big role in these coasters. Kingda Ka's "Golden Kingdom" jungle theming is certainly effective, but nothing wery special was done with the trains, just a little coloring and a design on the front. Top Thrill Dragster's name tells it all. The pure acceleration of a top fuel dragster. With its bright racing "christmas tree" adding to the suspense, you sit in your dragster-shaped train, spoiler and all, readly to race down the dragstrip when the light hits green.

Kinga Ka Or Top Thrill Dragster? It's your call.

Featured Coaster: Maverick

Maverick, it may be small, but it is truly an amazing ride. Despite its small stature at a maximum of 100 feet, it packs a punch. Maverick is a revolutionary new breed of coaster from Intamin AG, called the Blitz coaster. Maverick is the only blitz coaster on earth to this date. It features many new elements, such as an LSM powered initial ascent and a new inversion known as the "Twisted Horseshoe Roll" (pictured below, right), consisting of two tight corkscrews connected by a banked turn. This revolutionary ride features an astonishing 95 degree initial drop, and a 40 foot long mid-course launch tunnel which accelerates the trains to nearly 70 mph. This western-themed, low-down wild ride truly has a wow factor in a realm of its own.


Facts:

Max Height: 100 feet
Max Speed: 70 mph
Drop Angle: 95 degrees
Inversions: 2

Comments:
This ride was supposed to feature a heartline roll after the mid-course launch, but it was removed before opening as it was thought that it would cause neck injuries.