Quote:
Originally Posted by rennlistuser3
Your claims seem to be legit
I did a quick and dirty comparison
1990 Mazda Miata (2100 lb) 2018 Mazda Miata (2381 lb). That's about 280 lb gain for modern standards applied. Dimensions of both are very similar.
1990 Porsche 911 2 (3020 lb) 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S (3487 lb). That's about 450 lb gain but you have to factor in the much larger dimensions in this case. So a rough adjustment for that would probably show the same numbers as the Miata case.
Also all this number crunching made me realize this weight gain issue isn't as bad as I perceived it to be.
Oh well, I guess it is what it is. I'll stick to that idea of stripping down my BRZ and call it a day.
Maybe when I'm very old and about to kick the bucket I'll go for a 911 GT3 and move to Germany where I can actually use that firepower. Those 911 GT3s are gorgeous, I saw one in real life and boy did my heart get stolen on the spot.
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Some history for you:
Before the 80s the average weight of cars was 4500lbs. When the fuel crisis happened the government made the first round of mileage requirements. The manufacturers did not have the engine tech to reduce it much back then so the easiest way to get mileage was to shrink the cars. By the end of the 80s the average weight was a little over 3,000lbs. But the cars were basic, had little crash resistance and were cramped. As the engine tech improved over the 90s the cars could get bigger again but still maintain fuel efficiency. So they started to grow. As they grew they got heavier which in turn made the new safety requirement get better which now made the cars even heavier. It was sort of an ongoing circle that the heavier they got the more safety was needed which made them heavier. We are currently at a point where engine and driveline efficiency are allowing vehicles the same weight (remember the 4500lb average?) as the pre mileage era to exist. This gives people the space they want, the required safety and all the goodies at a mileage rating that meets requirements.
Now the future:
The manufacturers are going to have to meet an average 54mpg target by 2025. If you take all the electric or hybrid cars out of the mix this is going to be a very difficult task. New engine tech may help but the only way they are likely to meet this requirement is to go back to making all cars smaller (the public is going to scream) or make them the same size and lighter. As I have said many times now the lighter is very possible but will cost everybody. So expect smaller and/or lighter cars in the next few years but don't be surprised when you see the price tag.