Were you really really trying? You should kill it if you are, but they arent slouches.
Had to wait for one to pass pulling out of my road this evening........he had fogs on and everything and obviously saw my silver badge on the side (about the only really distinguishing feature of the 172!!) and decided to floor it. I didnt take the bait, but it certainly didnt look what Id call slow - not like a 1.2 Nova with a Peco big bore that makes a load of racket and then poodles away
Dont worry too much about it. I get it all the time with my car.....I expect to kill something and it gives me a run for my money. I just put it down to my lazy driving style - i.e. me and the rev limiter have never even met
whereas the other guy is probably caning his to within an inch of its life.