Factory Sliders !!!

[Mahalas]

you know there's a fix for that...

Yaaa, but... I'm way too lazy to do the conversation. I've learned to live with it, and I way rather use the time for something productive. Like installing proper sliders. :naughty:

 

[Mahalas]

All the "stuff" on modern vehicles is one of the big reasons why the rated MPG's haven't really improved. Any added efficiency is used up by all the parasitic loads; vehicles are more dense. That being said, there is more efficiency as a result of some of the added technology... but I agree that there's a lot of doodads and gizmos on modern vehicles, just don't take away my retracting rear window!

Sorry fish but I completely disagree. All the gadgets and weight of the car might contribute a little but the biggest factor for MPG is the money being made at the pump. I believe we have the technology to make all these cars supper efficient, but that's not profitable. Look at the cars imported from Japan. One of my friends imported a mini van that burns about the same amount of gas as my Toyota corolla, its a 7 seater a little smaller then a caravan and it burns about 6-7L PHK
Have you ever watched the documentary "Who Killed The Electric Car" ?

I will agree on the rear window. Never thought I would love it so much, I even made sure to grease the track and gear because I wouldn't want to live without it.

 

[fish0281]

Sorry fish but I completely disagree. All the gadgets and weight of the car might contribute a little but the biggest factor for MPG is the money being made at the pump. I believe we have the technology to make all these cars supper efficient, but that's not profitable. Look at the cars imported from Japan. One of my friends imported a mini van that burns about the same amount of gas as my Toyota corolla, its a 7 seater a little smaller then a caravan and it burns about 6-7L PHK
Have you ever watched the documentary "Who Killed The Electric Car" ?
...

The efficiency, when discussing the amount of energy extracted from the combustion of gasoline, has in fact increased over the years. However, the amount of electrical draw alone has gone up considerably. When I use the term density, I don't necessarily mean weight alone, but the density of the system - today's vehicle is much more complex then that of the 80's and older. Carburetors to Fuel injection (computer controlled), simple fans to climate control, mechanical everything to electrically controlled everything, full feedback systems (i.e., ECU)...

I haven't seen the documentary, but I am familiar with the concept. That same scenario existed in the public transportation sector too - in Minneapolis, the bus company (GM?) bought the rail system and then ripped out the extensive trolley lines to force the sale/use of buses. I don't think that's the only driving factor for vehicle complexity though - I would equally blame marketing and the human fascination with shiny things and creature comforts.