Dr_Evil
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- Feb 25, 2008
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Some things to consider:
They have changed how mpg is calculated and measured several times, so you can't compare the published mpg from older to newer cars.
That doesn't change real world measurements which is what I'm talking about. Those published ones are stupid.
They have changed how horsepower is measured several times, so you can't compare HP from older/newer cars either...at least not directly.
How exactly has that changed? One HP is one HP. Just like 1 ft-lb of torque is 1 ft-lb of torque. Older engines were not as powerful per liter. Thanks to fuel, lubricant, and design advances, they put out more power per liter.
The emissions controls reduced mpg, by a fraction, initially. The difference in exhaust though was huge, so, the net gain was a slight reduction in economy with an enormous reduction in pollution.
Electric cars have to be charged with electricity...and, if that comes from a coal fired power plant, the green foot print grows a lot.....as in the vehicle is still responsible for the pollution made to recharge it....but, overall, the E rigs are less polluting, especially if charged by a cleaner source.
Don't forget to add in the manufacturing on the motors and batteries. A lot of the neodymium comes from China. They aren't what I would call clean.
Lead used to be an enormous, albeit invisible, problem. Going to unleaded was a very good move, and, yes, the lubricity loss was a PITA.
So, the older cars were heavier, yet didn't absorb impacts in crashes, and were not as safe overall....and got terrible fuel economy, because at a few cents/gal, no one cared.
The newer ones are lighter, and absorb energy in impacts, but are more likely to be totaled in the process, etc.
A heavier car hitting a lighter one though is going to favor being IN the heavier one generally, as the wee one gets punted.
So, overall, as far as economy, performance and safety, the new cars are generally better........but I tend to like the old ones.
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