MPG and european vehicles

[lexer440]

I was putting this in the thread about what mpg your small car gets and decided to start a new thread because it may get off topic for that one.
I am english and moved to canada about 10 years ago and we have cars over there that would get around 100 pg back then and with todays advances it should be better. Dahatsu charade was one it had a small 3 cyl engine around 950cc.
I was pleased to see the fiesta coming here as I always liked them but disappointed that we did not get the fuel efficient choice, the european one does around 80 mpg. Why do we not get the fuel efficient european cars over here in Canada/US?

 

[jtmarten]

Re: MPG and european vehicles

Add about 800lbs for all the DOT 'safety' BS, and then reduce the breathing ability of the engine with the emission restrictions.
I'm guessing its not worthwhile for the mfg to add all the safety equip and meet emission standards to export those cars here.
Americans have shown they don't really want small, gas sippers.

 

[JB]

Re: MPG and european vehicles

I think the mileage figures you quote must be kilometers per Imperial gallon, Lexer. Impressive, nevertheless.

The only vehicles I ever owned that delivered advertised mileage were all German. . .VW, Audi and MB. . .Oh, and there was my 1972 BMW 700Sport. It didn't advertise mileage, but got in the low 30s anyway.

 

[QC]

Re: MPG and european vehicles

reduce the breathing ability of the engine with the emission restrictions

Latest emission standards are almost a push between US and Europe. Gasoline engine technology is the same. Stoich, EGR with a 3 way cat. Nothing "choking" them on either side of the pond. EGR helps efficiency

 

[Boomyal]

Re: MPG and european vehicles

Add about 800lbs for all the DOT 'safety' BS, and then reduce the breathing ability of the engine with the emission restrictions.
I'm guessing its not worthwhile for the mfg to add all the safety equip and meet emission standards to export those cars here.
Americans have shown they don't really want small, gas sippers.

You forgot to mention to 'throw in 10% of heavily subsidized ethanol' and you would have a complete Federally engineered automobile.

My 91 Toyota Previa gets 75 miles less on a tankfull of ethanol gas. That is a mileage reduction of near 20%.

 

[QC]

Re: MPG and european vehicles

And that is completely in line with what "Ethanol" should deliver There is less BTUs per gallon, so . . .