Posted on 11/03/2015 11:23:56 PM PST by Cowman
Not only are cars becoming more safe, feature-rich and efficient, but engines have never had more output, whether it’s an econobox Hyundai Sonata churning out a torque curve that would literally twist the swiss-cheese frame of a Mk. I Golf GTI, or the more insane Dodge Charger Hellcat, with its ticket-to-the-pearly-gates 707 HP supercharged V8.
*** However, as with anything in the known universe, there’s no such thing as a free lunch, no matter what ‘80s John Travolta will tell you. With legislation putting forth mandates for increased complexity in cars over the last three decades, automobiles have become, on average, more than 800 pounds heavier than they were in the late ‘80s. In addition, car prices have drastically increased over the years, even when inflation is accounted for, fueled in no small part by the added cost of development and implementation of the systems that serve as layers in between the driver and an unfiltered driving experience. For example, A loaded 1983 Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit GTI cost around $8000 brand new, which translated to just over $19,000 in today’s money. Fast forward to today, where a 2015 Golf GTI with all options ticked would set you back more than $31,000.
The model also gained over 1,100 pounds in curb weight over the same time, .
*** I can’t help but wonder what would’ve come out of a automaker’s factory when the company wouldn’t have had to deal with the stringent regulations that tie the industry down to making cars that all look and feel relatively numb.***
(Excerpt) Read more at thegarage.jalopnik.com ...
‘83 GTI hauled over 24 lbs for each horsepower. Even a standard cheap Golf, not far from the $19,000 benchmark, boasts only 17.5 lbs/hp. The more expensive GTI comes in at less than 15 lbs/hp.
My answer to the title question is yes, and here it is.
The only Jeep I vouch for is the wonderful Wrangler. Not only is it different (and sticks more the original concept from WW II), it is a machine that, if cared for, will not bite back, and will take you almost anywhere. There are some other good models, but I am not a fan of all of them.
That's part of the reason, but not the only one. I cited the car manufacture's desire to get the Federals off their backs, and make drone cars for the masses (that are very expensive due to all the safety and environmental garbage).
Research it. You will find that what I said is true.
The percentage differs per car, but you are pretty much dead on.
Im driving an ‘06 Unlimited with fairly moderate modifications. This is my third Wrangler. Probably won’t be my last.
The government will not let car companies make the great old cars. They force the car companies to build fewer desirable cars using CAFE standards and soon we will be forced into econoboxes then self driving econo boxes. We can have the fun the democrats like but not the fun we like. Soon we will not be allowed to have cars at all. Cars represent freedom. Getting rid of cars gets rid of a great deal of freedom. This is what the dim’s have been after since the late sixties when we told them to stuff their mass transit ideas. Of course we can still build our own at least at present. Not that hard but I am getting too old build em... Maybe one more... Maybe.
Gorgeous!
OK But I should still have the option of going down to the dealer and purchasing a new '66 Belvedere if I want to actually drive the thing. As it is, that option is unavailable.
That's what I really think the mandatory insurance and inspection laws are for. The more expensive and odious they can make the process of owning a vehicle the less likely we are to actually go through the pain of getting that freedom. Then we will all be living in Soviet style concrete apartment complexes that are close to mass transit.
And sitting ducks for a biological WMD.
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