[lbo-talk] mileage

[Jordan Hayes]

> can someone explain to me why, back in the 80s and 90s, i could look 
> at rabbits, horizons, mirages, etc. (cars) and find one that got high 
> 30s to mid 40s on mileage, city and highway.
>
> why is it that, today, you're lucky if you can find a dinky ass car 
> that gets mid-30s highway mileage.

It's a few things all adding up:

- Cars are getting heavier which means you get a bigger engine, etc.
- Tighter emission controls cost energy
- The EPA changed their standards in 2008 to reflect a more realistic 
driving mix

When Honda first introduced the accord in the late 70s, it weighed about 
2000# and had a 1.6L engine and was rated at 45mpg highway; in 1981 they 
switched to a 1.8L; 1986 got the 2.0L; 1990 went to 2.2L; 1998 was a 
2.3L; 2003 saw the 2.4L.  That's 50% bigger than the original, and the 
curb weight for the Accord is now around 3400# and rates 30mpg/highway.

Curb weight for a 2010 VW "Rabbit" is nearly 3000# -- though the TDI 
(diesel) engine is still king of the road, currently spec'd to 45mpg.

/jordan