Kowalski
Well-Known Member
This is why I HATE Jalopnik. Yes, cars are getting fatter, but for two very good reasons: they are getting safer and more comfortable.
I meant non specialty. Back in the day you could buy an MGB or TR7 for an affordable price (both weigh 2,000lbs). The Datsun 240Z wasn't far off that. The last car to fill that niche was the first gen MX5, since then it has been forced to 2,800lbs.
I meant non specialty. Back in the day you could buy an MGB or TR7 for an affordable price (both weigh 2,000lbs). The Datsun 240Z wasn't far off that. The last car to fill that niche was the first gen MX5, since then it has been forced to 2,800lbs.
Lotus isn't exactly using cheap materials.
Well, in the Corvette the engine alone weighs as much as the whole Lotus so it's pointless to try building a light bodywork around it... xDTake a Corvette, doesn't that have a fibreglass body? Aluminium chassis on the Z06/ZR1?
Where are you seeing the new Miata is 2,800lbs? It's curb weight is listed at 2,410lbs, which is as much as a fifth-gen (i.e. mid-90s) Civic. If anything, the Miata pokes a bigger hole in your gripe than a Lotus.The last car to fill that niche was the first gen MX5, since then it has been forced to 2,800lbs.
Fibreglass body, Aluminium chassis. Cheapest? No. Insanely expensive? No. Only manufacturer using those materials? No.
Take a Corvette, doesn't that have a fibreglass body? Aluminium chassis on the Z06/ZR1?
Obviously, there are cheaper ways to make a car. Walking is also cheaper. Considered riding a bicycle to save money? I guess not.
Well, in the Corvette the engine alone weighs as much as the whole Lotus so it's pointless to try building a light bodywork around it... xD
Where are you seeing the new Miata is 2,800lbs? It's curb weight is listed at 2,410lbs, which is as much as a fifth-gen (i.e. mid-90s) Civic. If anything, the Miata pokes a bigger hole in your gripe than a Lotus.
Also, a 1994 Miata (with the 1.8) had a 16.79lb/hp power/weight ratio. The new Miata makes 14.18lb/hp.
Well, I must have forgotten the irony-tags, I thought they were clearly visible with the smily at the end...The LSx series of engines weigh ~430lbs (about the same as an iron 4 pot). Displacement has little relation to weight.
Well, I must have forgotten the irony-tags, I thought they were clearly visible with the smily at the end...
Well, I must have forgotten the irony-tags, I thought they were clearly visible with the smily at the end...
It's having too much fun on the twisty b-roads, is all.Sure, cars weigh more than they used to. This is because safety engineering is a priority now, along with gizmos and stuff to make the car faster. If you want really light transportation, go on a horse. Engineering to lighten cars will come round, it's just a bit late to the party.
The Corvette costs about the same as the Lotus.