View Single Post
Old 05-15-2010, 11:58 AM   #8 (permalink)
cfg83
Pokémoderator
 
cfg83's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Southern California
Posts: 5,864

1999 Saturn SW2 - '99 Saturn SW2 Wagon
Team Saturn
90 day: 40.49 mpg (US)
Thanks: 439
Thanked 530 Times in 356 Posts
autoteach -

Quote:
Originally Posted by autoteach View Post
This is what I have been telling my students for the last 5 years! We have increased efficiency drastically, but increased HP to maintain that mpg. The only problem that we have with reducing weight is the required safety equipment. Manufacturers could cut weight in creature comfort items, though, but the rewards of FE would be marred by poor sales.
I would compromise. Keep the safety in, which assumes(?) a ~29% gain in weight on average, but offer lower HP engines, aka engines that represent a ~29% gain instead of an ~86% gain (as the original article states).

CarloSW2
__________________

What's your EPA MPG? Go Here and find out!
American Solar Energy Society
  Reply With Quote