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4. Every car made today is heavier than the equivalent model from 15-20 years ago. Bigger engines, bigger wheels, side impact protection, airbags, etc, etc. All that stuff adds weight and/or increases rolling resistance.

You just couldn’t sell a 2000 lb car with a 70 HP engine, these days. I remember when cars like Honda Civics first hit 100 HP, and it was a big deal. Other than the Smart car and a few others on the fringes, I doubt if you can buy a car making less than 100 HP these days. Or without AC, as you say.

Unfortunately, the people who make decisions are generally scientifically/technologically illiterate, and really don’t know that you can’t make cars bigger and heavier with more safety features, and expect them to get more fuel-efficient at the same time. And then there’s the EPA and CARB - and again unfortunately, optimum cleanliness in an engine doesn’t coincide with maximum efficiency.

You just couldn’t sell a 2000 lb car with a 70 HP engine, these days.

True. I'm old enough to remember when the Mini could be had in Toronto brand new for $2,000 and it wasn't wasn't the 175hp racing cart that today's version is.

4. Every car made today is heavier than the equivalent model from 15-20 years ago. Bigger engines, bigger wheels, side impact protection, airbags, etc, etc. All that stuff adds weight and/or increases rolling resistance.

You just couldn’t sell a 2000 lb car with a 70 HP engine, these days. I remember when cars like Honda Civics first hit 100 HP, and it was a big deal. Other than the Smart car and a few others on the fringes, I doubt if you can buy a car making less than 100 HP these days. Or without AC, as you say.

I used to have a 1986 Ford LTD, the small one, and it was a basic car, the only goodies it had was A/C and power windows. I kind of miss that car, it had the 232 cu in, Essex V6 engine, rear wheel drive. Heck, I've beaten 4x4's going up snow covered hills in that thing. I saw a 4x4 having trouble going up a hill once, it only took me one try on that thing. The downside is that it leaked oil, every 75 to 100 miles, a quart had to go in, well at least it had a "self changing oil system." B-) I even miss the analog AM/FM stereo radio. IIRC, Ford used to offer the early models of the little LTD with a 4 cylinder engine, I think it was rated at 88 hp where mine was 120 hp but by 1986, the car was V6 only. I also have a 1977 Mercury Cougar that I am going to try to get on the road, that thing is a tank though.

I've heard talk of cars going to a 36V/42V system with all the electrical needs cars need but that has died down in the last few years. I know in the military, 24V is the standard, then again, along with the power draw of military equipment, the 24V system makes it compatible with things that run on aircraft power.