A vehicle curve speed control system (10) adapted for use with a vehicle (12) having an operator (14), includes a map database (16) representing a current vehicle path, and a locator device (20) communicatively coupled to the database (16) and configured to determine the location of the vehicle (12) on the path. The system (10) further includes a controller (36) configured to identify approaching curve points of a curve (18a) in terms of curvature or radius, and determine a desired speed profile based on operator preference and/or vehicle characteristic input. An acceleration profile is determined, based on the current vehicle speed, and desired speed profile. An acceleration/deceleration command at the present control loop is modified towards achieving an optimal curve speed, and is delivered to either a brake or acceleration module (40,42) to automatically accelerate or decelerate the vehicle (12) accordingly.