>I have a 1981 Diesel Chevette which can get 50 miles to the gallon when driven at a steady highway speed. If that forty year old fully iron engine can get 50 m

>I have a 1981 Diesel Chevette which can get 50 miles to the gallon when driven at a steady highway speed. If that forty year old fully iron engine can get 50 miles to the gallon in a car that's as aerodynamic as a brick, then why aren't new cars getting 80 miles to the gallon? Because those modern cars have airbags, and thick pillars, etc, etc, etc and it's for your own good, peasant. (also emissions, but modern tech to control emissions makes that a wash in the fuel economy department because said tech enables the engine to operate more efficiently on a per fuel basis)