Will cars ever stop getting bigger and heavier?!

[StevieB]

Well, being the anorak that I am, I couldnt help noticing that the optioned 320d M Sport in last weeks autocar was 30 Kgs heavier than the 320d they tested in 2005, so in other words, not 50KG lighter as promised. The current 5 series is as big as an old 7 and the new 911 is 1400 KG and big as a 928.

The current Polo is bigger than a Mk3 Golf and the Fiesta as big as a MK1 Focus. meanwhile the Mondeo is bigger than the Granada and about 200 KG heavier in diesel guise....Even an Elise is now 900 KGS....

Where are these lighter cars we were promised in the new age? Everythings just ballooning, much like the great british public who buy them....can anyone see it changing or is the 1500KG Fiesta just around the corner?

[StevieB]

Urban Sports said:

Pints said:

Have just checked this and it would appear I was correct.

Golf
mk6: 1299kg
mk5: 1451kg

Polo
mk5: 1057kg
mk4: 1095kg

Like for like models? I find that surprising with the Golf.

Hmm, I think you are wrong about the GOlf, take the GTI. These are the "as weighed figures," taken by Autocar. I have both road tests, sadly..

Mk5- 1411,
Mk6- 1420 (both 3 door models)

As for the XJ, did you know that the one tested and weighted by Autocar was 1960kgs. Not much better than a 7 series.

My theory is this. Although the base models may be getting slightly lighter, all the optional extra crap is getting more comprehensive so by the time your typical 320d sport on optional wheels with gismos is weighed, it is heavier than the older less well spec'd car. I believe the 911, as tested by Autocar next week will end up heavier than the old model they tested, which was 1420 KGs...lets see if Im right!!

However, Madza are thankfully getting their models lighter. Lets hope others follow....

Edited by StevieB on Thursday 1st March 17:07

Edited by StevieB on Thursday 1st March 17:08