The average new car isn’t much more fuel-efficient than older ones. Still, to this day, the average vehicle has a range of between 20 and 30 miles per gallon, a stat which was very similar in the 1920s. How come with all the advances we’ve made in the last century is fuel efficiency the same?

Question

The average new car isn’t much more fuel-efficient than older ones. Still, to this day, the average vehicle has a range of between 20 and 30 miles per gallon, a stat which was very similar in the 1920s. How come with all the advances we’ve made in the last century is fuel efficiency the same?

In: Technology

Answer 1

Mainly because our vehicles are extraordinarily heavy compared to early cars. Most of that weight are in safety features, a minor accident that leaves you mildly shaken today would have killed you in the 1920s. Weight is the antithesis to fuel economy. Even then, my 5 star safety rated vehicle weighs 1645 Kg can go zero to 60 in less than six seconds averages 30 mpg while stopping from 60 in like 105 feet. These were sci fi numbers not that long ago. And no, I do not have an M, S, or AMG car, this is a standard vehicle. Shit, a new Honda Accord Touring has similar specs.