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Old 01-28-2019, 12:09 PM   #137
Tcoat
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gtengr View Post
They're bloating the cars for increased interior volume and the more comfortable ride of a longer wheelbase. The example I cited (2001 M3 vs. 2018 M2) clearly contradicts your claim that a modern car can't have similar physical dimensions to an older one because crash standards force bloat. The 2018 M2 is roughly the size (exterior and interior) of the 2001 M3, it weighs roughly the same, and it meets modern crash standards. It's a clear example that modern crash standards can be met with some of the older car exterior dimensions.
You are crossing model lines there so the comparison is meaningless. Of course you can make whatever size you want when designing a new car. The M2 has only been around for a few years so was designed from the start with current crash requirements.
Nobody is saying that they can't build them smaller and meet requirements if people are willing to pay for those features. The discussion was about how existing models have grown. No doubt the desire for more room plays a small part but the major factor is what they have to do to have that room AND make them safer.
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Last edited by Tcoat; 01-28-2019 at 12:20 PM.
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