Originally Posted By: mva
CB - I think your memory is failing you. Cars today are as good or better. Cars back then might have been lighter but they were slower, got same or worse fuel economy and they were more dangerous to travel in. Check out braking distance (Car and driver data):
1983 Rabbit GTI
BASE PRICE: $7995 (1983 dollars) = $18,000 in 2011 dollars
90 hp
Wheelbase: 94.5 in Length: 155.3 in
Curb weight: 2100 lbs
Zero to 60 mph: 9.7 sec
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.78 g
Braking, 70–0 mph: 194 ft
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway: 26 mpg/37 mpg
2011 Ford Fiesta
(base price: $15,795)
118 hp
Wheelbase: 98.0 in Length: 155.5 in
Curb weight: 2462 lb
Zero to 60 mph: 8.7 sec
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.84 g
Braking, 70–0 mph: 170 ft
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway 28/38 mpg
I would much rather travel in a current Fiesta (with airbags, antilock brakes, etc) than an 83 GTI.
mva,
I couldn't agree with you more! And that's a decent comparison that you made. Although, I have other comparisons myself. I'm not saying that we haven't come a long way in 30 years, I am saying that I'd like to seem more!
Cars today are much, much better in all ways in terms of refinement, power/weight ratio, solid/tight body structure, quiet, great ride & handling and as RELIABLE as ever! And the STUFF that one can get in a vehicle today is astonishing to say the least. And their fast, fast, fast! Although, I'm not quite sure if we're there yet on the fuel economy even if the EPA numbers suggest so. Meaning, it should be better still! Fuel economy is a matter all on it's own!
Even though we are receiving higher HP #'s in heavier, safer vehicles while still achieving the same MPG #'s as in yesterdays vehicles, we still need better MPG #'s today, not more and more and more power/speed. Although I like the speed/power
It does show what the engineers and modern technology can achieve though.
I was just remembering the thrill of some of those small hatchbacks as I remember the thrill of a Chevelle 396.
I too would rather spend time in a new Fiesta over a Rabbit(I think) and maybe, just maybe, in a new Camaro over a 396 big block. I don't know, it remains to be seen as of yet. I haven't sat in or driven either in a side by side comparison. I know the new ones are not only faster but, get better MPG.
Again, not sure where I'm going in this subject, just reminiscing.