Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank Lee
I'd be more enthusiastic if a full-size 2015 1/2T pickup weighed less than it's 40- or 50- year-old "low tech" predecessor.
|
We can have the truck weigh as little as it did 40 years ago, but it would have to haul a lot less and have a smaller motor.
As with most things American, the 1/2T pickup grew in size. It used to be called a 1/2 ton because it was rated to only haul 1000 lbs in the bed. Nowadays it's rated to haul 3120 lbs.
Nearly every other car model has porked up as well. The Camry used to be smaller than the current Corolla, the Accord used to be smaller than the current Civic, etc. Rarely does an auto manufacturer announce that the next generation of a vehicle model will be smaller and have less interior space.
I'm less concerned with how fuel efficient a working truck is because it's purpose designed to haul a lot of weight. If it were a commuter vehicle, then I would be more concerned with fuel economy. That said, reducing weight is a great thing because it increases the available payload.