Engine Development - Last 20 Years

[paul.deitch]

Mindful that a modern n/a 2 litre engine puts out about as much power as my 20 year old 3 litre S3 I'm curious as to where the efficiency increases have come from.

Hints for suggested reading material or web links would be appreciated.

[stevieturbo]

better airflow in and out, and precise fuel and ignition control.

[Pumaracing]

The power and torque articles on my website will explain.

www.pumaracing.co.uk

[rev-erend]

More to the point - although bhp / torque has increased greatly .. the mpg figures are largely the same.

Back in 1985 - a 2 litre Capri would give 30mpg average.

Now a 2 litre Ford .. gives 30mpg.

For all the efficiency gains by the engine developers the car weight has increased greatly.

The 1985 capri weighted approx 953 KG and the 2010 Focus weights approx 1229kg.

[Alex]

rev-erend said:

Back in 1985 - a 2 litre Capri would give 30mpg average.

Where did you get that stat from?

[Lucas CAV]

rev-erend said:

Back in 1985 - a 2 litre Capri would give 30mpg average.

[Martin Keene]

stevieturbo said:

better airflow in and out, and precise fuel and ignition control.

That and much better manufacturing tolerances allow for reduced oil viscosties reducing frictional losses.

[rev-erend]

Alex said:

rev-erend said:

Back in 1985 - a 2 litre Capri would give 30mpg average.

Where did you get that stat from?

Sadly I used to have one..