User:Jcb302

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[edit] Model T Ford

My addition to the Model T article had to do with the "flex-fuel" abilities, as Ford had designed the engine to run on gasoline or ethanol; the definitive source for this is Ford's website: http://www.ford.com/en/vehicles/specialtyVehicles/environmental/ethanol.htm

However, a quick search did reveal some support for the 25mpg figure, see the statements referenced at http://www.wanttoknow.info/050711carmileageaveragempg

Now the thing to remember is that comparing Model T mileage with modern car EPA mileage is absolutely worthless. A model T topped out at about 45 mph (it only made about 20 HP out of a 2.9 liter 4 cyl engine, my 1988 carbureted Isuzu got 150 out of the 2.8), and energy requirements, mainly to overcome air resistance, increase as the square of the velocity. The difference between drag at 45 mph and 65 mph is double. Also, the Model T was very lightwieght, I see curb weights quoted at 1200 to 1500 lbs., which is on par with the lightest versions of the Lotus Seven derivatives. Put on emissions control stuff, bumpers, airbags, stereo, power steering and brakes, safety glass, sound insulation, etc., and the average passenger car excees 3000 lbs.

Let's pick something somewhat comparable to the Model T; when I got married, my wife had a Ford Festiva, built in S. Korea by Kia and imported by Ford. Here are the stats on it, from the 1990-1993 model:

• 1.3 liter 4 cyl engine, 63 hp, curb weight, 1797 lbs.[[1]]
• Gas mileage, in excess of 30 mpg[2]
• Top speed, 100 mph[3]
• Overall crash test ratings range from 5 star in the US in 1992 (but only for front passenger)[4], to poor in Australia in 1997[5]

So we have a car that is twice as fast, with half the displacement, gets better gas mileage, and is much more heavily built than the Model T, all using the same basic technology (though the Festiva is overhead cam, which is what gives it the RPMs to produce so much more power). Add fuel injection and computerized engine management, and you can easily get 65 horsepower per liter (1997 Taurus with 24v v6 gets 200 hp from 3.0 liters). You could easily scale that technology down and build a 20 HP car that got 100 mpg, but you couldn't sell it; it wouldn't meet safety standards, it wouldn't be able to go on highways with minimum speeds, and no one would buy it because it would be so stinkin' slow.

So while a motorscooter might well get 100 miles to the gallon, that doesn't make it practical for, say, carrying a family of 5 people around through a thunderstorm. Take for example watercraft--I have one that will get an infinite number of miles to the gallon--as long as the wind holds out :). Still, how many sail powered transport ships do you see plying the oceans these days? scot 21:46, 30 August 2006 (UTC)