Why some different cars get identical EPA ratings

[Hersbird]

I was reading about EPA testing and saw this report.

EPA Issues New Guidelines For Automaker Fuel-Economy Testing

"Agency officials had also previously discussed closing a loophole that allows manufacturers to assign the same fuel-economy ratings to vehicles in the same weight class with identical powertrains--as Ford initially did with the C-Max Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid. This negates any effect of differing drag coefficients on the fuel economy of those vehicles, but according to the story, the EPA may back away from this proposal."

I always wondered why this

gets identical ratings as this


It's because Ford just gets to not compete with itself. I wonder though which one is the real rated car, the better or the worse?

[MetroMPG]

Years ago (2008) I wondered the same thing about VW:

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...agon-5887.html

So why then would the presumably heavier as well as less aerodynamic 2009 Jetta Sportwagen with its likely higher Cd and (slightly) more frontal area (standard roof rails) have an identical fuel consumption rating as the Jetta sedan equipped with the same drivetrain?

I find it difficult to believe that the actual fuel consumption isn't at least 2.4% different (2.4%=1 mpg from the 41 mpg hwy rating for the TDI M-6) between these two vehicles.

Yet the cars' ratings are identical for every powertrain variation.

I don't buy it.

[Fingie]

How many years did it take for officials to notice this? lol

[Daox]

I've wondered this for quite some time. Why can those cars have the same rating when even the same car's EPA rating differs from year to year?!?! Now I know, thanks!

[vskid3]

If they can publish whatever numbers they want, why not just make a super eco trim that uses the same powertrain and give all the others that rating?

[Fat Charlie]

* As tested with optional aero package. Your mileage may vary.

[MetroMPG]

* Optional Aero Package:

[Fingie]

Either you buy it or do it better!