Someone's Apologizing for Sorry Fuel Economy but Not Automakers

Also,

Better fuel economy technology developed since 1992 was used to justify increased engine size and performance horsepower, extra luxury items such as power windows, air conditioning, etc that add weight to the car, and an overall increase in size of cars.

So even though engines are significantly more efficient today, those gains are offset by consumer demands for luxury, increased space, and performance.

My first car was a 1978 Datsun B210 that got 41 MPG. HOWEVER, it also was much smaller, lighter, had narrow tires (reduced friction losses), had only 89 HP from a tiny 4 cylinder engine, no A/C, no power brakes, crank windows, no safety features except seatbelts and bumpers, and took a day and a half to get to 60 mph, if you were lucky enough to be going downhill with the wind at your back! Gas was under a dollar per gallon at the time.... That car used so little gas, I thought the gas gauge was broken!

Dennis of @ Jul 02, 2008 14:19:01 PM

Not entirely...

Keep in mind the DRASTICALLY stricter safety standards applied to modern vehicles. These can have a significant impact on the weight of a vehicle, and as a result, will reduce the fuel economy (heavier/stronger frames and roll cages, better brakes, air bags, etc). That's not to mean automakers are off the hook for things - they certainly haven't been doing their part (for example, all those electric cars that got smashed despite their owners wanting to keep them). You just have to keep in mind that there are often other factors to consider in the situation as well.

Matt of IN @ Jun 24, 2008 16:09:42 PM