3 ms·
They picked an interesting starting point for their comparisons, which was 1975, several years after the following: 1) HP ratings went from SAE gross (at flywh
by squozzer 9y ago
They picked an interesting starting point for their comparisons, which was 1975, several years after the following:
1) HP ratings went from SAE gross (at flywheel with no accessories) to SAE net (at flywheel with accessories and stock exhaust)
2) Smog controls (AIR, EGR, and cats)
3) Lower static compression ratios to handle unleaded fuel
That said, computer-controlled spark and fuel, and now direct injection, makes modern cars a lot more fun if maybe a little same-looking.
- davimus 9y agoThe EPA data only goes back to 1975. https://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/download-co2-and-fuel-economy-trends-report-1975-2016 https://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/download-co2-and-fuel-econom...
- dredmorbius 9y agoYeah, it turns out that a lot of environmental and energy stuff didn't exist until the 1970s. Nixon created the EPA, Carter the DoE, 1970 and 1977, respectively. It wasn't until the 1973 Arab Oil Embargo that concerns over automobile efficiency even registered for most Americans. Gas was cheap. Cars were big. Life was good. (That being the thinking, if not the reality.)