OT: how far we've come?, 35 years of non-progress Options

[lapuwali]

Hybrids are the buzzword now, and people marvel at how the latest Civic hybrid gets 50mpg.

Autoweek had a short article on the early Civics, which got 55mpg with a carb. 1.2L, 50hp, 1500lbs. Sure, they were slow, but they were described as still being fun to drive. The way most people drive modern Civics, I doubt they'd notice if they suddenly only had 50hp.

(yes, I know emissions are much better, it's quieter, it crashes better, yada, yada...)

[anthony]

QUOTE

I'm amazed at people that believe the mantra of the Japanese car companies and the hybrids. A recent news show went out and drove them in real life. Actual average increase in mileage was less than 5 miles per gallon over a gasoline vehicle of the same make and type. Average price paid over a like car was $15,000.00 for the hybrid.

That is a huge exaggeration. Personally I agree that the Hybrids are a rip off but they aren't that out of whack with reality. A Prius costs like $25-30K out the door. There isn't a direct comparison but one could make the case that it's between a $15K Corolla and a $25K Camry. Realistically, it's $5K overpriced but you get back some because of the Federal tax credit.

It does take forever to get back the $5K on fuel savings. Comparing a 30mpg Corolla and a 50mpg Prius shows that one only saves less than $500/year on fuel. That's 10 years to break even on the $5K premium.

For some people the free commuter lane pass is worth the $5K. For others they will gladly pay the extra $5K up front in order to make a political statement by driving a Prius.