New Cars Are 14% More Efficient Than 4 Years Ago

[Jarlaxle]

Try that in 15 degree weather...see how it works! (Hint, it wont!)

 

[chrome]

The thing is, while it is true that every consecutive new car in the same model range is getting bigger, but manufacturer's aren't forcing anyone to buy a new 2012 Accord if they are after a vehicle the size of a 1980's Accord.

They do have a choice, it's called a Civic.

If they are after a vehicle the size of a 1980's Civic, they also have a choice, it's called a Fit.

 

[Jarlaxle]

Only problem being: the Fit isn't all that impressive, mileage-wise. In fact, I recall it uses MORE gas that the best (non-hybrid) Civic.

My wife was getting 45+MPG from the car the Metro replaced, without funky hybrid powertrains, CVT's, without even EFI or overdrive!

 

[chrome]

Some comparative stats from www.fueleconomy.gov:

A 1984 Honda Accord (4 cyl, 1.8L, 4 speed auto) managed 24 mpg on the combined cycle.

A 2011 Honda Accord (4 cyl, 2.4L, 5 speed auto) managed 27 mpg on the combined cycle.

A 2011 Honda Civic (4 cyl, 1.8L, 5 speed auto) managed 29 mpg on the combined cycle.

The later Accord is larger, heavier, better equipped, cleaner, safer, but also returns better mpg.

The current Civic is perhaps the best comparison in terms of size and engine capacity to the 80s Accord, and does much better in mpg.

 

[antonmnster]

Except for the smallest of new cars, they are hardly "small"!

A new Versa is pretty much the same size as my e46. The entire class of sub-compacts, these days, is larger than all mid-sized cars from 30 years ago. A Fiesta, compared to an Omni, seems like, well, a fiesta.

I'm relieved to see the current crop of small cars. About time!

 

[CivicFan]

Are people who complain about modern cars being too big the same ones who make fun of Smart?

 

[grampi]

Originally Posted By: CivicFan
Are people who complain about modern cars being too big the same ones who make fun of Smart?


I'm one of them, but there a lot of reasons to make fun of the Smart. For one thing it isn't smart at all. Most 5 passenger compacts will get as good, if not better fuel economy, so what's the point of a Smart? If I'm going to give up everything I would have to give up in order to drive a Smart, it better get significantly better mileage than anything else on the road...I'm talking like 60-70 MPG...38 MPG doesn't cut it....

 

[thr_wedge]

The e46 2door was classified by the EPA as a subcompact (84 cu ft). The 4 door is a compact (91 cu ft) The versa is a compact (90 cu ft). The Versa weighs less. Not sure what the argument is?