by Steve <no@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Feb 22, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Rodan wrote:
> "Steve" <no@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
>
> .... the mileage on a 400-HP Corvette is better than a 4-cylinder
Citation
> back in the 80s. A truly efficient engine only uses as much fuel as
is
> demanded of it. Whether it is capable of 50 HP or 450 HP doesn't make
> that much difference when its only being asked to deliver 25 HP.
> With today's cars, the shape and weight of the chassis itself is a FAR
> bigger factor in fuel economy than engine size.
> _______________________________________________________________
>
> The greatest increases in mileage over the past 30 years have been
attained
> by making cars smaller to decrease vehicle WEIGHT.
I don't know where you get THAT idea. Curb weights on comparable class
(ie midsize or fulsize) vehicles have stayed similar or actually gone UP
due to all the mandated safety equipment. My wife's 1993 v6 powered car
(Eagle Vision) actually weighs a couple hundred pounds more than my 1973
v8 powered car (Plymouth Satellite). But it does get about 10 mpg
better, thanks to a locking torque convertor, an extra gear in the
transmission, and electronic engine and transmission management.
