Comments on: Note to Auto Execs: 30mpg is pathetic. Some 45+ mpg cars you may have never heard of. http://mugsysrapsheet.com/2008/11/21/note-to-auto-execs-30mpg-is-pathetic-some-45-mpg-cars-you-may-have-never-heard-of/ Recording history for those who seek to rewrite it. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:27:15 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: fastfeat http://mugsysrapsheet.com/2008/11/21/note-to-auto-execs-30mpg-is-pathetic-some-45-mpg-cars-you-may-have-never-heard-of/comment-page-1/#comment-87 fastfeat Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:39:08 +0000 http://www.bi30.org/wordpress/?p=177#comment-87 I've got to think that weight of newer small cars has got to be the chief reason these cars are not more fuel efficient. Much of it is probably structural, but also the use of electric motors for so many things (locks, windows, etc.) While the rollback of the US 5 MPH bumper standards to 2.5 MPH saved some weight, the increased demand (probably rightly so) for higher crash safety standards has resulted in weightier frames. Of course, American desire for the convenience of power locks, window lifts, seats, and air conditioners doesn't help. Many of these items are absent on basic European models. I drove a 1968 BMW 2002, curb weight about 2100 lbs, as a daily-driver, well into the '80s. Of course, it had none of the safety features of modern cars, nor many conveniences either. Nor would its dual Weber-carbed motor meet any modern emissions standards, but its power to weight ratio was something I truly miss. That, and $1.50 premium fuel too... I’ve got to think that weight of newer small cars has got to be the chief reason these cars are not more fuel efficient. Much of it is probably structural, but also the use of electric motors for so many things (locks, windows, etc.) While the rollback of the US 5 MPH bumper standards to 2.5 MPH saved some weight, the increased demand (probably rightly so) for higher crash safety standards has resulted in weightier frames. Of course, American desire for the convenience of power locks, window lifts, seats, and air conditioners doesn’t help. Many of these items are absent on basic European models.

I drove a 1968 BMW 2002, curb weight about 2100 lbs, as a daily-driver, well into the ’80s. Of course, it had none of the safety features of modern cars, nor many conveniences either. Nor would its dual Weber-carbed motor meet any modern emissions standards, but its power to weight ratio was something I truly miss. That, and $1.50 premium fuel too…

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