Quote:
Originally Posted by red-beard
One way to reduce fuel consumption is make lighter cars with smaller engines and run them closer to their max efficiency point. This was the point of the hybrid cars. What most people don't understand about hybrid cars is they use different tires, are smaller, weigh less, along with running the tiny engine near its maximum efficiency point, along with regenerative breaking.
My 1977 Datsun B210, unmodified, but with a college dorm worth of junk in it, would do 39 mpg (6.0L /100)@70mph (112.6 kph). Add high pressure tires (4 bar) I expect I could get at least 5 mpg more out of it. Switch the engine from a 1.7L 70 hp to a 1.0 with FI, I bet it could do 50 mpg (4.7L / 100).
|
Automobiles in the past have experienced excellent gas mileage. So what has changed? Fat bloated autos with safety features that raise the weigh and price. Backup cameras are a safety item, and IMO, not a required standard requirement but are now. But, I fear it is too late to stop the safety onslaught.
https://www.extremetech.com/extreme/179635-car-backup-cameras-are-now-mandatory-okay-for-saving-lives-even-better-for-music-and-navigations
The promise of safety, which is a strawman BTW, because we still have automobile deaths and you can now add injuries from defective or malfunctioning airbags. I am not against having seat-belts but I am against laws that target anyone who refuses to wear one. I am against govt intrusions, it's for the children don't ya know, and insane court penalties, mostly payed to lawyers, raising the rates for anyone wanting to purchase or insure a new vehicle.