Stricter EPA testing for 2017 model year - be careful making comparisons

[wdb]

Originally Posted by Hersbird

The first time I noticed this was when looking at the Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT "twins". Both had the same aerodynamic factor and therefore the same EPA ratings. I just had a hard time believing these have identical drag.

Really? I wouldn't have a problem believing it. Frontal area looks very close as does ride height, and windshield angle is probably identical.

[Natalya]

The white one has an aero spoiler and the roof slopes down as it goes back. The bottom also slopes up at the back. Flex is just a brick.

[Hersbird]

They were both on my list of potential buys but after seeing supposedly the strange looks of the Lincoln gave no benifits I figured you might as well take the extra room of the Ford. I think Ford just didn't want to show an advantage in one over the other, or the EPA let's them save money not even having to test each model and let's them just call it a "twin". Like a GMC Sierra vs a Chevy Silverado or an actual twin like a Dodge Neon compared to a Plymouth Neon.

[oldtamiyaphile]

Originally Posted by Natalya

The white one has an aero spoiler and the roof slopes down as it goes back. The bottom also slopes up at the back. Flex is just a brick.

A downward slope can easily induce drag. Sometimes it's better to have a sharp square cut off.

Most European 'brick' shaped vans are now managing 0.31cd's so perhaps the brick has been getting a undeserved bad rap all these years.

Jaguar E Type and Jeep Wrangler share the same cd.