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Thaddeauz t1_j6d625c wrote

They are more efficient, you are just missing some variable. The 2003 Accord curb weight was 2989lbs while the 2023 is 3239lbs. The 2003 Accord horsepower was 160 while the 2023 Accord have an horsepower of 192.

So the 2023 20% more powerful, weight 8% more, but is 11% more fuel efficient than the 2003 Accord. So the 2023 engine is much more efficient than just 11% since it have more power and it need to power a bigger car. If the 2023 Accord would have the same weight and power as the 2003, the engine might be like 20-30% more efficient (I don't know the exact number just a guesstimate)

Internal Combustion Engine by their nature is pretty inefficient. You can explosion happen to push piston, so obviously a LOT of energy will be lost in heat. There is just no way to get around that. We are getting better, but the ICE is a very mature technology, improving the efficiency is harder and harder to do.

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icelandichorsey t1_j6db1de wrote

Why the heck is a Honda accord 1500kg, that's nuts.

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on_the_nightshift t1_j6dbgsd wrote

Because it's a full sized car now. The civic is larger than accords from a couple of generations ago

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nonfatplatypus t1_j6ddbwc wrote

Yep... I just rode in a brand new civic and didn't realize it was a civic until I got out and saw the badge... Assumed it was an accord.

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greenmachine11235 t1_j6dcn8z wrote

Safety requirements have risen. Cars are required to survive higher speed crashes with less injury to passengers which means more air bags and stronger construction. Then added tech plays a role, a rear camera by itself doesn't weigh a lot but add supporting bracketry, wire harnesses, and the computer power to render it and you get a few pounds multiply that over every new piece of tech and it adds up.

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solitudechirs t1_j6dcqmn wrote

  1. A lot of cars are just bigger than they were 15 years ago, comparing within the same segment of any type of vehicle.

  2. Cars have way more airbags built in now compared to any time in the past

  3. Most cars have way more electronics now, again compared to any time in the past. Cameras, blind spot sensors, tire pressure monitors, general “infotainment” systems

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LrckLacroix t1_j6ddh8i wrote

So true! Also cars come with a lot more airbags, safety features and entertainment features than they did 20 years ago.

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QuietGanache t1_j6defb3 wrote

I'd add that there's also limitations placed on absolute efficiency caused by other emissions restrictions; doi: 10.1109/TVT.2015.2405918

A long time ago, this is what ultimately killed gas turbine cars. They were pretty damn efficient for the time but the high combustion temperatures led to greater NOx emissions. The same issue is holding up the development of more efficient high compression ratio piston ICEs.

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Agreeable-Change-400 t1_j6dl29w wrote

Gas internal combustion engines are typically 18-23% efficient in terms of mechanical energy out vs chemical potential energy in. High performance and forced induction engines can to a little better than that but not by much. You lose a lot of energy through heat, sound, vibration amongst other things. Also emissions really damp efficiency but are obviously important. It would be cool to see a car manufacturer build the most efficient, light and not overpowered car possible to see just how much they could stretch the mileage.

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CarminSanDiego t1_j6dc5t7 wrote

Nobody asked for more power though. Besides high schoolers, nobody is getting accords for power/speed . I want that more efficient engine in lighter weight body to maximize efficiency.

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KudzuNinja t1_j6dcf94 wrote

If it’s heavier, you need more power for the same performance.

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photog_in_nc t1_j6ddmct wrote

I‘m not sure I agree you on “nobody asked for more power”. A lot of people don’t want a sluggish car when they are trying to merge. People “ask” via their buying patterns. They’ll look to a V6 if the 4 banger is too puny. They‘ll look to a competitor.

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ReFro82 t1_j6dejdg wrote

I got the v6 accord for power, speed, and reliability. Almost 300hp with a manual is a lot of fun for a daily commuter.

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TheTruthenatorer t1_j6df759 wrote

You don't want that lighter weight body, though, you just think you do. With the lighter weight body you lose a lot of safety features. You have fewer airbags, fewer crumple zones, fewer sensors giving you information about your car and road conditions. Modern vehicles sacrifice that slight bit of efficiency for a much, much safer driving experience.

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Thaddeauz t1_j6dh2fa wrote

>nobody is getting accords for power/speed

True, but speed isn't the only reason to have more power. There is safety measure, but also luxuries. I like my divertissement screen, the GPS, the collision detection, the heating seat, etc. All of this mean more not only more weight to carry around, but also more electricity that come from the engine.

I also like to have a responsive car and a smooth acceleration, and for that you need more power. You don't really need to put the engine to the max to reach illegal speed on the road, but a more powerful engine change drastically how driving the car at low speed feel.

>I want that more efficient engine in lighter weight body to maximize efficiency

And there is other models that do just that. That said, those models are a lot less popular in North American compared to Europe so there isn't as much model available. Manufacturers sell what the market want.

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