Quote:
Originally Posted by MetroMPG
It busts the myth that cars are overweight "because of the all the safety equipment" (commonly heard).
It's less than 100 lbs heavier than my Firefly/Metro, yet it's got vastly better crash protection ( 5/5 stars Australian NCAP), with better engineering (strategic use of high tensile steel), 7 airbags, ABS, traction/stability control... (1998 Firefly/Metro: 1895 lbs. curb weight according to Edmunds).
And it's got more creature comforts: AC/power windows/locks, etc, etc. And it's got more power (better power:weight ratio). And better fuel economy.
Automakers are talking a lot about weight reduction these past few years. We're already starting to see re-designed models weighing less than the outgoing ones. |
Safety adds weight, that's not a myth. In the late 80's, we had a 5-seater car with four cylinder engine that weighed 1420 lbs with no expensive materials, the AX. The car was rated 60 mpg at 56 mph in 1986.
To what are due the 550 lbs difference if it's not due to safety and comfort ?