Comment on American automakers are losing the race to make more fuel-efficient vehicles

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Rivalarrival@lemmy.today ⁨10⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago

“More cargo space” is the battle cry of the “bigger is better” crowd, so I reject that argument outright.

Yes, the bolt has better economy. But, the 1990 Honda Civic was 20 inches shorter and 4 inches narrower. An updated Honda Civic with an equivalent drivetrain as the bolt would be smaller and lighter, and thus be getting even better mileage than the bolt.

Those extra 20 inches in length and 4 inches in width are necessary for the bolt to meet modern emissions standards. Shorten it by 20 inches and narrow it by 4, and Chevy wouldn’t be allowed to produce it, even though it would have a higher economy.

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