BACKNBLACK
Enthusiast
How come the 70's gas prices affected the way cars were built and todays high prices are not affecting larger cars?
Oil prices
- Thread starter BACKNBLACK
- Start date
big-n-italian
Enthusiast
Actually i have been hearing that todays gas prices are affecting todays cars. For instance, the other night on the news, they were talking about SUV sales being way down right now, and car dealerships are having a hard time moving their SUV "gas hogs".
I too sold my explorer just a few months ago for something more economical. 14 MPG at $2.50/gal sux with all the driving I do.
I too sold my explorer just a few months ago for something more economical. 14 MPG at $2.50/gal sux with all the driving I do.
BACKNBLACK
Enthusiast
What i'm trying to say is that they are still building these High horse power cars.I'm just curious since the trend is so different from the 70's.Back then they made different cars. In todays times we still build the BIG suv's.I thought they might just cut back for a while but it doesn't seem to be happening
NK BREKR
Enthusiast
Tony,
It has to do with the oil embargo and price controls set forth by the government, you could only buy oil on certain days and in certain amounts. In today's environment there is not price floor, the price is dictated by the A-holes that trade oil. If you have the money and are willing to pay for the gas it's yours.
I have a feeling you'll be seeing a decrease in the production of gas-guzzling vehicles.
It has to do with the oil embargo and price controls set forth by the government, you could only buy oil on certain days and in certain amounts. In today's environment there is not price floor, the price is dictated by the A-holes that trade oil. If you have the money and are willing to pay for the gas it's yours.
I have a feeling you'll be seeing a decrease in the production of gas-guzzling vehicles.
Jay Herbert
Enthusiast
I just moved to a diesel pickup truck from my gas powered one, 24 mpg vs. 12......
I think the difference is that the high performance cars now are really econimical when you are "not on it". A Viper, SRT-300, etc. get 24+ mpg on the highway. When driven hard, it is for entertainment. With a movie costing $20, the same $20 in gas provides a lot of fun in a Viper
Back in the 70's a high HP big block cars got 12 mpg, when going downhill, with the wind at it's back.
BACKNBLACK
Enthusiast
Yeah Jay true and gas was .70 cents. I was watching the news and they said it will pass $3.00 dollars soon
Kelly06
Viper Owner
I hope that chrysler continues with the HP increases. Sales show that the interest is still there (especially by the dealer surcharges). As I used to try and tell Detroit: "It's the power, stupid" Now just as they are listening, the gas thing comes along. Well, at least I will have the viper and the Z 
acrdakota
Enthusiast
I think one big reason is that the people buying these high HP cars don't even consider mpg as part of the purchase. It's disposable income for a toy and they generally have other vehicles to drive daily. That being said if you only drive it 10k miles/yr on the weekends etc. who really cares. Seems there are a lot more people willing to spend the $$$, till that stops there is no reason not to make 500hp toys.
Take a drive around orange county some time, you'll be shocked at what you see cruising around.
Take a drive around orange county some time, you'll be shocked at what you see cruising around.
You're right, these aren't daily drivers to most of us they are toys. I only use mine on the weekends and frankly couldn't care less how much gas costs for it. It's just a fun recreation and there are a lot more expensive hobbies that a $40.00 tank of gas.
BACKNBLACK
Enthusiast
I'm talking about SUV's guys.Every day cars.I have two monsters for every day driving.I just filled up my Navi. Spents $82.00 to fill her up.Gas is at $2.89 for 93 0ctane.So it really insane.I must spent between my every day vehicles around $270.00 a week!!! I think i'm buying the mini cooper S/C!!!
I think i'm buying the mini cooper S/C!!! Jay Herbert
Enthusiast
I'm talking about SUV's guys.Every day cars.I have two monsters for every day driving.I just filled up my Navi. Spents $82.00 to fill her up.Gas is at $2.89 for 93 0ctane.So it really insane.I must spent between my every day vehicles around $270.00 a week!!!
Ford makes a Diesel Navigator, doesn't it?
Wait a year for the new Mini Cooper, much better engine coming up
Jay Herbert
Enthusiast
I here ya! What I do not understand is how gas can keep going up, and not stall the economy.... seems that people must have a lot of money under their matresses to keep spending like they are! Like I said, a diesel is now in my garage, and our little four-****** convertible gets a lot more usage.
acrdakota
Enthusiast
Ford makes a Diesel Navigator, doesn't it?
Wait a year for the new Mini Cooper, much better engine coming up
Only diesel suv I know of that ford makes is the Excursion, and thats more like driving an F350 (well it pretty much is) than a luxo suv.
BACKNBLACK
Enthusiast
Diesel is up there in price also. Not to low behind gas in my area. That's true. Navi does not make a diesel only the Excursion and thats killed off production now.
Jay Herbert
Enthusiast
Diesel is actually about a dime a gallon more than gas in our area
Europe is hard care diesel, a few things have slowed adoption in the US, first our diesel has sulpher in it, clean diesel fuel will be regulated into effect I think in 2006 or 2007. Second, to make diesels that meet US Emission standards, particulate traps needed to be developed and finally..... gas prices were to cheap...... DCX could have a big advantage in the diesel market with Mercedes being one of the premier diesel manufacturers.
Europe is hard care diesel, a few things have slowed adoption in the US, first our diesel has sulpher in it, clean diesel fuel will be regulated into effect I think in 2006 or 2007. Second, to make diesels that meet US Emission standards, particulate traps needed to be developed and finally..... gas prices were to cheap...... DCX could have a big advantage in the diesel market with Mercedes being one of the premier diesel manufacturers.
Warfang
Enthusiast
It won't be the price of gas that would slow the purchase of high HP toy cars, but rather supply. If any of you are old enough to remember the lines to get gas and different colored flags at stations, you know what I mean. That era ended the last HP war.
Fortunately, I don't forsee that coming again... yet.
danfromohio
Enthusiast
Wait a year for the new Mini Cooper, much better engine coming up
The new 2007 MINIs will be turbo charged, both the Cooper and the S. I would actually prefer the supercharged. But I have a regular non-S Cooper. A lot of fun for a car that gets over 30MPG, even when driven in a "spirited" fashion.
ledfoot
Viper Owner
Cost me 84 clams to fill up my diesel today(2.99) Then I drive my 9 mpg toy on the weekend.....whatever......
