Engine Size
From the Super Mario Wiki
The Engine Size (also referred to as Engine Class) is an important factor in the Mario Kart series, determining the speed of Karts. Super Mario Kart introduced 50cc and 100cc Karts. With Mario Kart 64, there were also 150cc Karts available. As larger engines increase speed, Karts are more difficult to control. Each Cup can be raced with different Engine Sizes; completing a Cup with a certain Engine Size sometimes unlocks other Cups or drivers.


