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To: Slagle who wrote (64021)	5/21/2005 1:09:18 AM
From: energyplay	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 74559

Thermodynamics was long ago for me also. Air resistance - Force rises with V2. Power required then rises as V3 A 3rd generation Chevy Camaro (not the latest, but one gen back) needs about 12-15 horsepower to travel at 50 mph, with about 8 hp for wind resistance. For 100 mph, wind resistance is 64 hp, about 15 for velocity squared dependent mecahnical (tires, transmission), and another 6 or so the rest, so about 85-90 hp. >>>" But if you larded up the design with lots of the features consumers have been convinced they must have along with all the stuff the DOT and the EPA say you MUST have, then all you have is a piece of junk. A very expensive piece of junk. These hybrids sound great but from what I have read about the actual mileage (40mpg actual vs. 60+mpg EPA estimate) I don't see what the fuss is about. I had an early 80's VW Rabbit diesel that would get 60mpg at 40mph. Why not just buy something like that off ebay and save the big bucks if high mileage is the object. " <<<< Outside of the cupholders and junk, there have been real, serious improvements in the average car, at a price of about 200 to 300 pounds of weight. I would much rather have an accident in a modern VW Jetta or Ford Five Hundred than a VW Rabbit/Golf or a Ford Granada. Much better crumple zones, interior cushioning, smarter air bag, better seat belt anchoring, stonger & heavier side impact rails, etc. The upgraded side impact rail requirement was based on actual accident data, and they really help. Ford Granadas and earlier had drum or disk / drum. My low end 97 Mustang has 4 wheel disks. Heck, I'll even say something nice about emmision controls and catalytic converters - the air is cleaner today in Silicon Valley, vs. late 1970s, even with 50% more people and cars. This really matters if you live toward the East Side, like Milpitas. The effect on Los Angeles is astounding. Since the average worker in the US gets about 1.5 million over a lifetime, and generates economic value about twice that easily, all this safety stuff pays off greatly. ********** My wife has a Buick Regal GS, and at a steady 65-70 mph, it gets 28-31 mpg. (air conditioner off) Not as good as the Rabbit, but quieter and more comfortable. I have a friend with a Hybrid Honda, I'll ask what kind of mileage he gets when goes to LA. Since his speeding ticket, he's now staying under 90 mph....