

1.0-liter EcoBoost achieves 45 mpg on the highway






Source: Ford

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RE: Why are non-hybrids getting such bad mileage?
By FITCamaro on 10/30/2013 12:10:05 PM , Rating: 2
Exactly. The government has lowered fuel economy because of its mandates. And will continue to do so.

RE: Why are non-hybrids getting such bad mileage?
By mellomonk on 10/30/2013 1:30:03 PM , Rating: 2
Weight is a huge factor, emissions to a much lesser extent. But a major difference is that the methodology and tests used to determine the mileage figures has changed. Starting in 08' the calculations changed to better reflect real world driving patterns. The EPA site has revised figures on vehicles back to 85'. A car that was rated at say 45mpg in the late 80s might have a rating of 40mpg or lower on today's scale. There are also issues in comparing Euro cycle figures to US numbers. Completely different testing methods result in much higher relative numbers.

Actually mileage standards have risen over time. You are implying that safety mandates have lowered the mileage is capable of and you are correct. There is a balance between safety and economy. But fleet mileage numbers are still rising. As is performance. Today's vehicles are on average quicker, faster, and far safer then the vehicles of yore. It is interesting to go back and study the 0-60 times and related figures of the 70s or 80s and compare them to the average 200hp family sedan of today. Automotive engineers have done a pretty good job balancing emissions, performance, safety, and peoples purchasing preferences.

By FITCamaro on 10/31/2013 9:51:54 AM , Rating: 2
Emissions standards in 2004 removed the "lean cruise" ability that many cars that which had large impacts on fuel economy in cars. As an example the 2004 GTO had a highway rating of 26 mpg. Owners who enabled the lean cruise option in the computer were able to get 29-30 mpg.

