Quote:
Originally Posted by RH77
Just a curious question...
Where exactly have vehicles weight increased over time?
First issue: model comparison.
The size of a new Civic would have to be compared to an older Accord (or new Focus vs. Tempo instead of Escort, etc). So, the first variable is the vehicle size has obviously increased, adding weight.
The rest? What about a line-item comparison of old component vs. new component...
Aside from the additional weight from add-on safety features (ABS, airbags) and engine displacement, where is it really coming from? Components are lighter these days.
Convince me that it isn't because we have been tricked into buying bigger, with fewer alternatives.
RH77
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The added wheight comes from:
Aircon system, electric windows motors, added insulation, alloy wheels, bigger wheels / tires, roof rails, adjustable seats, seat heating, stereo and speakers, multiple airbags, more interior trim panels, thikker carpets, fogh lights, big heavy heddlight houses in glass, etc. etc. etc.
And all this calls for extra hp to haul it all => heavyer engine.
So in terms of effeciency in FE, lightweith cars etc. we have gone back the past 30 years from my first car a Citroen ID 19, followd by a Citroen GS with a 1000 cc aircoled engine.
Both of those cars was far more effecient with regards to arodynamics, weight and FE than new cars.
Think about that...
Citroën DS - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia 1270 Kg, and a Cd around 0.30
Citroën GS - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia 900 kg. Low Cd