At Home Mechanic

Cars have been gaining weight over the years; today’s Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla weights 4-500 pounds more that comparable models from just a few years ago. The new Ford Mustang weighs in 300 pounds more than last year’s model and the Porsche 911 has ballooned from 2,700 lbs. 35 years ago to nearly 3,300 lbs. for today’s version.

There are many reasons why cars have been getting heavier over the years; government regulation, manufacturer greed and consumer preference are all equally guilty for cars porking up. Government Gnomes, Insurance Company Number Crunchers and Scaredy Cat Consumers have all conspired to put a premium on crash impact and roll over protection test results. Consequently, new cars are built sturdier than earlier models. But the increase in strength also means extra weight, as steel is the most cost-effective materiel to add to a car’s frame for strength.

The manufacturers have been adding content to automobiles and this adds weight. I can remember when only luxury cars came with Power Windows, Air Conditioning, and Cruise Control. Today we expect those features plus keyless entry, sunroofs, leather seats and monster stereos in entry level to mid-range models. All of these features add weight to each car. But more importantly, each feature also is a profit center for the manufacturers; the mark-up on a dozen extra features means a dozen extra sources of profit on each car sold. So in a manner of speaking automobiles are sold by the pound and the heavier the car, the greater the profit.

Finally, consumers must take some of the blame for heavier cars. We are demanding more standard features in even our entry-level vehicles and so the weight is added. And Americans are getting to be larger people in every dimension, it is easier for larger people to get in and out of larger cars. The wildly successful Chrysler PT Cruiser is nothing more than a Neon that has been made taller (and heavier) so that it is easier to get in and out of.

Weight is not all bad, strength and safety can not be easily dismissed. And the weight of extra structure is usually engineered to add rigidity to the structure of a vehicle, which in turn makes for a more stable ride down the road. And if a car’s structure is more rigid, it is less likely to have annoying squeaks and rattles.

My prediction is that consumers have become used to the quiet, comfort and safety of modern cars so manufacturers will not be removing content from their products in pursuit of some extra gas mileage. Instead look for gas/electric hybrids and diesel engine to more efficiently power heavy cars down our highways.