There is a common misconception that new cars are not the same anymore. Not as strong as before. Here in the old days ... Stop! Stop being nostalgic for made-up reasons. In some ways, the cars really deteriorated, but certainly not in terms of safety: both active and passive. Yes, technical complexity and rich equipment modern cars makes any body repair many times more expensive than even ten years ago. But today the chance that after the accident there will be someone to do the restoration at all is incommensurably higher. At this rate, there will soon be no casualties in road accidents at all. Can't believe it? Here are the facts backed up by visual videos.
To evaluate the safety of cars, nothing better than crash tests has yet been invented. Every year they become more and more realistic. Including for skeptics who prefer not to count the "stars", various organizations in the field of security sometimes conduct demonstrative crash tests from the "before and after" series. That is, they smash new and old cars head-on. Naturally comparable in class.
Toyota Corolla: yesterday and today
So, just the other day, the Australian agency ANCAP decided to hit each other with two Toyota Corollas - 1998 and 2015. Frontal collision at a speed of 64 km / h - everything is like with a barrier. There are no airbags in a 20-year-old car, but in a brand new car there are as many as seven. But it's really not even worth paying attention to. On the video and without comments from experts, it is clear that the driver of the "old woman" had no chance of surviving. Fresh "Corolla" literally "flashed" the interior of the "ancestor". Although the test was "out of standings", the Australian experts still placed the scores. The car of 1998 received 0.4 points out of 16, and 2015 - 12.93.
The goal of the “fight” was to visually reinforce the statistics – according to ANCAP, in Australia, deaths in cars older than 2000 are four times higher than in cars younger than 2011.
Chevrolet Bel Air vs. Chevrolet Malibu
Not impressed? Here is another similar crash test. Only this time, two completely distant releases of the car took part in it. In honor of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the IIHS (American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), he crashed a 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air and Chevrolet Malibu 2009. The Oldtimer is longer, heavier and generally gives the impression of a more robust car. No matter how! At that time, engineers cared little about the safest deformation of the body and units. And therefore, despite the equally deplorable appearance of sedans, the dummy in Bel Air suffered much more. Well, how it hurt ... The steering column and other protruding interior elements simply "kill" the driver of a vintage car.
Rover 100 vs Honda Jazz
The most authoritative European security organization - Euro NCAP- This year, also on the occasion of its 20th anniversary, it was also marked by a kind of anthem of progress. The committee released a comparison video of two crash tests: a 1997 Rover 100 and a 2017 Honda Jazz.
Needless to say, during a frontal impact on the barrier, a modern Japanese car reliably protected the driver and passengers. But the elderly "British" ... In general, no comment.
Nissan: Tsuru vs Versa
Another informative crash test and again from the IIHS. Last year, the Americans decided to draw the attention of automakers to the fact that it is time to get rid of the remnants of the past in all markets, and not try to cash in on old models in poor countries.
So, two Nissan sedans: Tsuru and Versa. The first is nothing more than a converted Sentra from the 90s. It is still sold in Mexico as a new car. The second is the most budget car of the brand on American market but modern. The impact occurred at a wild speed of 129 km / h with a 50 percent overlap. As a result, in the Tsuru half of the car was literally soft-bodied up to the middle pillar, while in the Versa the driver and passengers survived.
Renault Modus vs Volvo 940
Various variations on the theme of "new versus old" in last years there were many. In 2008, British journalists from the Fifth Gear TV show scheduled a head-on “meeting” at the test site of a fresh Renault Modus compact van and an ancient wagon Volvo 940 from the early 90s. It seemed that the Swedes have always been leaders in the field of security, and the result could be deplorable for the modern Frenchman at that time. But no matter how! Reinforced struts and a high-strength steel body at Renault have done their job. Yes, the Volvo passenger did not die, but he received severe leg injuries due to the deformation of the front panel. But in the compact van, no one was hurt. Maximum scratches.
Many more similar comparative crash tests can be cited as an example, but, I think, this “tin” is already enough for correct conclusions. No matter how you deservedly scold modern cars for a weak resource, low reliability or abstract "lack of spirituality", the fact remains that every year they become safer.
Here are the facts from the unclassified materials: accidents still happen and road deaths are high, as if we are still traveling by troughs of the VAZ-2107 system. Even in Europe, with all the numerous and costly security measures traffic, from stricter requirements for cars to polished infrastructure, it is not possible to radically reduce the number of accidents. Moreover, according to the report of the European Transport Safety Council dated March 31, 2016, the decline in road deaths has slowed down significantly in recent years, and in 2015 it even increased.
Why? First, the cars, albeit sheathed around the perimeter with airbags, have become too complicated. So much so that people generally do not understand them, and this can be seen even from the outside. There, Lexus drove with the headlights off, because the driver forgot to switch the light selector to automatic mode, stares at the dashboard, which is burning both day and night, and does not even suspect that he is driving in the dark without light. Him, like owners of Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Range Rover, manufacturers offer to independently deal with the detailed parameters of the operation of the gas pedal and the engine, the stiffness of the shock absorbers, the sharpness of the steering, the severity of the stabilization system and even the breaths of climate control. At least one of the owners of the new Mercedes, without outside prompts, Internet forums and instructions, was able to understand the difference between the climate control modes under the names Diffuse, Medium and Focus? But the Germans stopped even putting manuals in the glove compartment so that you could take them to read at your leisure in the restroom: now they are wired into the multimedia menu in the form of complex anime and diagrams, which you also need to figure out first! But even then, until you start moving, at speed the “book” is turned off for the sake of safety. But what does it actually lead to? Any normal person is furious and has a desire not to obey the system, but to continue “hacking”, distracting from the traffic.
In October 2014, the American Consumers Union published the results of another study: the vast majority of car owners who overpay when buying a car for cool bells and whistles do not use them even by 20%. Many are not even aware of the possibilities of multimedia systems and driving assistants in their own car.
We don’t guess about the chips, but we get a bunch of reasons to be distracted from the road in the most everyday trip. And this is the second reason for persistent accidents. Take the interior of any modern car: than more expensive car and the more options it has, the more it looks like the cockpit of a passenger plane. The only difference is that pilots have been trained for years to respond to every warning. electronic systems safety, and drivers who do not always manage even to turn on the turn signal are lost in an environment of flashing lights, beeping sensors, text warnings and beautiful virtual multimedia systems.
Not at all the stress scourge of the 21st century, but multimedia touch screens in Nissan Almera and touch everything in Tesla Model S. Even in a quiet environment in the parking lot, it is not always easy to set up the radio, especially if there are no normal buttons on the center console at all, and you can only use the built-in tablet or incomprehensible, also touch-sensitive levers and touchpads. And already in motion... By the way, in the cockpits of the same aircraft, ordinary physical keys and toggle switches are still used, as psychologists say: a person does not perceive the touch control of systems, especially by touch. Looking for a track at a speed of 70 km / h is not for you to wallow on the couch with a smartphone.
Okay, multimedia - and if most of the car's functions are hidden in touch panels? There are many of these now! Even the temperature on the go can not be added without looking away from the road - in the Lexus IS, for example, you have to run your finger along the sensor strip. And then you still have to be distracted by navigation with traffic jams, answer SMS, turn off the heated steering wheel and seats. Here is a car in the next row moving slowly and confidently to the right, the driver's head lowered while his fingers fumble around the central display.
Many consumers who love mobile gadgets dissatisfied a similar interface in cars - that's the disappointment that automakers have faced in the polls. Ford was one of the first to repent: back in 2013, after the release of Explorer, where even the alarm button was touch-sensitive (!), the American company announced its intention to return some of the functions to ordinary keys, and just in the updated Explorer they appeared again.
Sometimes, even without touch panels, dangerous “setups” happen due to automatic assistant systems: you accidentally touched the adaptive cruise control lever in a Mercedes-Benz when you turned on the wipers, and now the car set the speed limiter to 30 km / h. You will be stupid and even get into emergencies until you find the disable button.
Here, the driver, who is just entangled in his own music tracks and sophisticated comfort systems, should be saved by assistants who modern cars no worse than spaceships. Themselves taxiing away from the marking line, pressing the brake pedal when a KAMAZ appears in front and noticing road signs. They help, but sometimes they do it very stupidly: in the Acura MDX, cruise control only works from the distance set to the cars in front, so in the equal rhythm of our chess players, the crossover slows down quite sharply (and therefore dangerously) all the time. And active steering in a turn can scare even an experienced street racer.
And driver assistance systems bombard the poor fellow with a billion warnings, to which the brain, due to inevitable adaptation, stops responding. Burned the monitoring sensor dead zones, a dangerous proximity signal flashed, an alarm squeaked about the end of the washer or the approach of the camera - all this is equally important for the car, so it constantly panics and displays rapidly changing prompts on the dashboard screen, try to follow. At least enter voice alerts- out in the movies for a long time so. In the meantime, automakers are only working on voice commands, trying to defeat touchscreens at least this way, but not on warnings.
The security systems themselves have side effects. Of course, they help to feel in snow storms on the Third Ring Road or in sharp turn more confident than on the antediluvian Volga, but Einstein did not cancel the laws of physics. resistance to high speed works up to a certain limit, 190 km / h only seem to be smooth and safe on some Audi - no airbags will save you in an accident at such a speed. The later the limit of possibilities comes, the less fear and the more terrible the consequences.
Apparently, they tried to say about something similar the other day in Rosavtodor, which caused a hellish bathert: accident rate is growing because of... good roads. Like, on highways with high-quality coverage, drivers often violate the speed limit and drive into the oncoming lane, that is, they relax and allow themselves more, which is why they fight.
Yes, at modern driver less likely to fly off the icy road into a ditch or smash your head on a counter and break your chest on steering column in an accident. Motorists began to fight and die for other reasons. It’s time for the traffic police to include new points in the accident analytics: due to correspondence in Viber, setting the concert sound of Valeria’s fresh hit, recklessness at the limit of the stabilization system or a frightening signal about a drop in temperature overboard to +4 degrees.
An article about the 10 most technologically advanced cars in the world. Their interesting features and characteristics. At the end of the article - a video about a trip around Russia on the most high-tech car!
The content of the article:
A modern car has long ceased to be just a means of transportation. Each manufacturer is trying to surprise customers with something, so it equips its cars with high-tech options and functions that provide convenience and safety of movement.
Modern cars, without exaggeration, can be called a computer on wheels. Moreover, technology is developing at a tremendous speed and becoming more perfect. What seemed impossible yesterday has become commonplace today. Therefore, automakers constantly have to come up with something new to meet new realities.
Rating of the most high-tech cars in the world
It is difficult to say which machines are the most technologically advanced, and even more difficult to arrange them in a certain order. After all, those features that seem innovative and convenient to some drivers will seem useless to others. Therefore, the formation of any rating is a rather subjective exercise. But still we will try.
This car will appeal to those who want to get a harmonious combination of unsurpassed style and high technology.
Lovers of good sound will enjoy the built-in speaker system Bang & Olufsen, which is customized for each car. The sound quality is truly breathtaking - 14 speakers connected to a 505 watt amplifier produce mesmerizing surround sound.
The car has a built-in Audi phone with a Bluetooth-online interface. This device has a user-friendly screen that allows the driver to view the call list, phone book and select the necessary options.
Of course, it is worth noting the high-tech 3.0 TFSI V6 engine. The acceleration will impress any driver. Motor power - 333 "horses". An innovative turbocharger is used, which is equipped with a mechanical drive, as well as an intercooler. This allows the car to demonstrate huge power with low fuel consumption.
The first thing in this car should be noted LED daytime lights that create a unique look. However, they are installed not only for beauty. The headlights of this car are equipped with an intelligent road lighting system. With its help, the headlight modules can be rotated when the car enters a turn, and this significantly improves the illumination of the track at night.
A camera is installed in the rear-view mirror that monitors the level of illumination in front of the car (taking into account the headlights of oncoming cars), automatically turning on and off the high beam.
It is also important to note the Lexus security system. The car is equipped with many security systems (active and passive) that reduce the severity of the consequences after accidents. Also installed in the car innovation system driver assistance, which will reliably protect all passengers.
But that's not all. The driver can easily cope with any traffic situation that arises thanks to the work of the vehicle dynamics management system and the blind spot monitoring system, which warns of all road users in the adjacent lane.
Nobody likes being stuck in traffic jams. But the owner of the Honda Odyssey is not in danger. After all, this car is equipped with an optional satellite navigation system with voice identification, which will not only suggest the most optimal route of movement, but also report traffic jams in major cities.
The Honda Odyssey is also equipped with a HandsFreeLink Bluetooth system that allows you to talk on the phone without touching it. Thus, the driver is not distracted from the road.
Odyssey has a USB audio interface that allows you to connect music from a USB flash drive or phone via a USB cable. You can control the volume using voice commands.
The car's video system has an HDMI port, which allows you to connect any video device. The video will be displayed on the 16.2 inch display.
Manufacturers believe that their development in the future may become the highest technological car. But so far this is not the case.
Although it should be noted that new Audi A4 is stuffed with various high-tech "bells and whistles". This car has a night vision system, excellent projection display, "smart" cruise control, Internet access, automatic braking system.
At the same time, the car can drive on only two cylinders, while spending a minimum of fuel. latest motor 1.4 liter is equipped with an innovative system that can turn off two of the four cylinders at low and medium speeds. With a quiet ride, 70% of the trip, the car will be driven with the cylinders deactivated. And this will significantly reduce fuel consumption.
This american SUV familiar to many motorists, however, after the modernization, he received many exclusive trim elements and a high-tech trailer.
The car received a ventilated hood, special engine protection, a modified false radiator grille. The concept crossover has a raised suspension and unique 16-inch alloy wheels.
But, of course, the main feature of this SUV, for which he got into this TOP, was the trailer.
This is a kind of highlight of the SUV. The trailer is equipped with the innovative Connect Live system with a massive touch screen. This advanced system provides high-speed network access, Wi-Fi hotspot, and social media access.
In that high-tech car implemented all the best technical solutions concern Infiniti.
New Infiniti version Q50 has European appearance. All Asian lines have disappeared, the body looks more aggressive, since a complex-shaped bumper and a large radiator grille are installed. The head optics are equipped with bi-xenon. The headlights work intelligent system switching light modes.
The front seats are provided with electric drive. The driver can adjust in 8 positions. The car is equipped with a multifunctional steering wheel, which displays the controls for the multimedia system, transmission, climate control. The driver can change the position of the steering wheel while driving.
An on-board computer screen is installed on the dashboard, and 2 touch displays on the center console allow you to control absolutely all machine systems.
The Infiniti Q50 is equipped with a 298-horsepower hybrid engine that includes a naturally aspirated gasoline engine and a 50-watt electric motor. Paired with them is a seven-speed automatic transmission.
To enhance the attractiveness of the facelifted Mustang, Ford Motor Co. Equipped with new technologies.
The model has a rear-view camera, push-button engine start, a cross-traffic alert system that informs the driver that there is a possibility of a collision with other moving vehicles when parking, a forward collision alert system, and adaptive cruise control.
But that's not all. For the first time, the driver will be able to evaluate the pressure in all tires directly on the dashboard, as well as switch between different regimes driving (4 of them). This will allow you to choose optimal mode movement in various conditions.
In addition, the Mustang is the first Ford vehicle to receive the innovative AppLink smartphone connectivity system.
All technologies in Mustang are focused on the convenience, comfort and safety of the car owner. For example, the Track Apps system collects information on the performance of the machine and presents it in the metric system. This system shows the driver how the car is behaving and tells when the performance of the car is reduced or increased.
If the above cars were simply equipped with various technological “bells and whistles”, then the top three should include cars that in the future should replace the usual cars with gasoline and diesel engines. The leaders of this rating run on environmentally friendly fuel, so they do not pollute environment. This is a new round in the automotive industry, so these machines can be called the most high-tech.
Third place goes to the first serial hydrogen sedan Mirai FCV. This vehicle is equipped hybrid plant on hydrogen, which is called the FC stack. When hydrogen reacts with oxygen, electrical energy is generated. All reactions in this machine occur without combustion.
Wherein maximum efficiency is 83%, which is unimaginable. Thus, steam comes out of the pipe, and not carbon monoxide. This is truly admirable.
By the way, Mirai is translated from Japanese as "clear future". The Japanese are convinced that such cars will be in demand in the near future.
Motor power - 153 hp A car without refueling will be able to drive 485 km. Refueling the fuel tanks with hydrogen will take only five minutes.
In addition, the vehicle is equipped with an innovative PTO power take-off system, which allows the machine to be used as charging station for your home. Such a car costs 57.5 thousand dollars.
Google has long been working on creating a car that could drive without human intervention. And the first prototype of such a machine was successfully tested.
There are no traditional controls (steering wheel and pedals) in this car. The car has only a button to start and stop the engine. The car moves with the help of a 64-beam laser rangefinder, which is installed on the roof - it generates a three-dimensional map of the entire area. Then the electronics compares the received pictures with the views loaded into the car's memory. Thus, the machine is oriented in space, avoiding all obstacles.
True, the speed of the car is limited to 40 km / h. Cars undergo rigorous testing, although the developers are confident that they have created the most technologically advanced vehicle.
However, unmanned vehicles did not become the leader of our TOP, since there are many questions about such prototypes. It is not yet clear how Google will legally issue a car without a steering wheel, because even if a person wants to do something (for example, prevent an accident), he does not have such an option. Who will be responsible in the event of an accident - the Google programmers who wrote the code, or the owner of the car? So far there are many questions.
This electric car was recognized as the most technologically advanced car. The 5-door hatchback has a leather interior, unique wheels and optics, refined features of Maserati and Jaguar. Adjustable sunroof allows you to change the intensity of blowing.
The car was used the most Hi-tech. Dashboard has two displays. One screen shows detailed information on the state of the machine in motion, including data from the ammeter. The second screen is for adjusting the vehicle's electronic systems. This is a kind of independent mini-tablet.
Three options for assembling a machine with different batteries are available to consumers. In general, the car can travel 450 km without recharging. Wherein maximum speed- 190 km / h, and engine power - 416 "horses".
When braking the car, the energy recovery system allows you to use the motor as a generator. Adjustable clearance and an innovative stabilization system allows you to move smoothly, without jerks and unpleasant sounds. The electric car is equipped with a single-speed automatic transmission.
You can charge an electric car at home from the mains (takes 15 hours), from charger(up to 8 hours) or at a specialized station (20 minutes).
Here are some other interesting "chips":
- A radio module is mounted inside the ignition key, which extends door handles when the driver approaches;
- Update software possible via wireless wi-fi;
- In the event of an accident, the battery control systems are immediately disconnected;
- Installed navigation maps from Google and the navigation system will promptly inform the driver about traffic jams;
- The newest climate package allows the battery to work both in severe cold (-25°С) and in hot weather (+50°С).
Results
Most likely, in 5-10 years, the options of the above listed cars will not surprise anyone. After all, progress does not stand still, and more technologically advanced technologies appear every year. vehicles. But for now, these machines are admirable.
Video about the ride on the Tesla Model S from Moscow to Minsk:
It's no secret that many motorists love and hate modern ones. And not in vain. Perhaps those times were a unique era in the automotive industry, when the best cars in the history of the car market were created. And we are not talking about any individual models. For example, whatever your budget, from hatchbacks to fast supercars, in those years you could buy a huge number of models that have become classics and are still considered the best in the history of the automotive industry.
And the period from 1982 to 1997 can rightfully be considered the time best cars in the world. As a result, according to fans of old cars, modern vehicles are a pathetic semblance compared to old ones. automotive achievements. Let's find out the main reasons why many people think that old cars are better than new ones.
1. Styling (Modeling)
It's not often said that 1980s cars are the pinnacle of achievement in car design. Yes, in those years there were some stunningly beautiful cars that, years later, even today look stylish and quite modern. As they say, these cars have stood the test of time.
But most of the cars of those years had simple design with right angles and had the usual inconspicuous design, which did not cause much feelings even then.
But, nevertheless, comparing the design modern cars with older vehicles, many will surely still find the many benefits of older vehicles. Especially in the uniqueness of the design of each model.
All automakers are betting on design these days. It is design that is the engine of trade in the automotive industry. That is, unlike old cars, in the production of which the main thing was to provide the consumer with modern technologies, in modern machines The main thing for companies is a successful selling design.
Usually, before designing and creating a design for a car, focus groups are created in each company, which, based on research, decide which design is needed for a particular model.
But since in the ranks of focus groups automotive companies are in principle the same people as you and I (ordinary consumers) in the end due to the modern principle in the automotive industry " good design- excellent sales "cars different brands became similar to each other.
The thing is that our whole world is subject to fashion trends. Naturally, there is fashion in automotive world. Accordingly, consumers want to buy cars with certain design trends for a certain time. But, and since in our time the main driver of car sales is design, the modern car market has become similar to each other.
Look at modern cars on the road. Have you ever noticed that most of the new vehicles have become really similar to each other? The most amazing thing is that many models can only be distinguished if viewed from a close distance.
Here's an example for you.
Can you tell which is the BMW 1-series and which is the Volkswagen Polo in the photo above?
And what's sad if you compare BMW coupe You will also find many similar design elements in the 4 Series with the Audi A5 Coupé. The same applies to Ford and Kia cars, which are easy to distinguish only from the front or rear. If you look at many cars from the side, then you can really get confused which brand and model is in front of you.
Ford recently updated some of its models with a stylish Aston Martin-inspired grille. Agree a strange decision of the designers of the American brand. After all, all automakers require modern ultra design from designers and designers. Why then designers Ford decided to equip your cars with a radiator grill, the style of which was created in the early 90s of the last century?
Indeed, we have already seen similar grilles on Aston Martin cars. It is noteworthy that for the first time we saw this style of grilles on cars of this brand in 1993 (on Aston Martin DB7 and Vanquish models). Also in the late 90s some Jaguar cars also had a similar grille style.
Why in the 21st century did Ford need to use old design elements on the exterior of modern products? The thing is that modern automotive design has led to the fact that many cars have become similar friend on a friend. As a result, the American automaker decided to refresh its new cars a little, with the help of old classic car design elements that are still relevant today.
But still modern Ford cars with a new but classic grille did not really stand out from the mass of new vehicles, because in addition to the radiator grille, old cars were not similar to each other in general, unlike modern ones.
For example, you can easily distinguish old cars from each other at first glance, which cannot be said about modern vehicles, the design of which has become narrow and uniform.
size 2
Remember the first generation Volkswagen Golf? This is one of the most influential and most stunning hatchbacks of the era. The Volkswagen Golf Mk1 was 3820 mm long, 1610 mm wide and 1410 mm high.
What do we see in modern generation VW Golf (7th generation)?
Dimensions of the new VW Golf:
Length: 4258 mm Width: 1790 mm Height: 1492 mm.
That is, over the past 35 years, the length of the VW Golf has grown by +438 mm across the width +180 mm , and in height +82 mm .
As a result, it became so bloated in its size that Volkswagen was forced to create a smaller car - the VW Polo. But even with this model, a metamorphosis took place, as a result of which the mini car has noticeably grown in size.
As a result Volkswagen I had to release another model, which in size resembles the first generation of Golf. We are talking about the model VW Lupo.
Then the fate of gigantomania befell this machine, which has noticeably increased in size over several generations. As a result, the world saw another mini model VW Up. The most amazing thing is that new model The VW Up is wider and taller than the first generation VW Golf. So most likely, we are waiting for another mini Volkswagen model.
And this development trend is not limited model range Volkswagen. This can be observed on cars of any brand.
For example, the latest model Ford Focus noticeably more than the first generations. The same applies to most modern models.
As a result, today's modern city cars are the same size as large family vehicles used to be, and today's family cars are the same size as the luxury sedans of the '90s.
Don't believe? See the BMW 7-series in the back of the E32 and compare it with the fourth generation Ford Mondeo.
On the one hand, there is nothing wrong with the fact that cars have become larger. After all, thanks to this, modern cars have become more comfortable. But there is one problem. These are roads and parking lots. After all, they have not grown significantly in size along with cars over the past 30 years.
For example, in the same parking space today you can place only 48 modern Ford Fiesta(new generation) when you could fit 63 first generation cars in the same parking space as before.
Also, the dimensions of the garages have not changed. drive today new ford Mondeo in the garage is harder than the big old one off-road vehicle Rover Discovery.
And of course, do not forget about the roads, which in most cases have not become wider. The thing is that cities are not rubber and cannot expand along with highways. Respectively road lanes on highways cannot become wider.
Given the growth road transport over the past 10 years, the roads have been very difficult to cope with modern cars, which have become much larger. All this causes great inconvenience to all motorists who operate their cars mainly in the city.
Also, along with the increase in size, modern cars, despite new platforms and technologies that make it possible to reduce the weight of vehicles, inevitably become heavier. The reason for the increase in body size. As a result, automakers, due to increasing product sizes, cannot achieve a significant reduction in the weight of their models compared to the first generations of cars.
Why are modern cars heavier than their first generations?
After all, every new model that enters the modern market, as a rule, decreases in weight. Especially when you consider all the latest auto novelties. After all, you have heard reports from automakers more than once that they have managed to reduce body weight by 50 and even 100 kilograms.
Yes it is. Many modern cars are actually becoming lighter than their recent predecessors. But, unfortunately, most new cars are still heavier than their early counterparts. Why is this happening?
The thing is that over the past decades in the automotive industry, the requirement for the safety of produced vehicles has increased significantly. At the moment, there are a huge number of different standards and requirements for modern cars. As a result, manufacturers were forced to equip cars with various technologies to improve the safety of their products, which led to a significant increase in the weight of modern cars compared to older ones.
For example, modern bodies cars are created in this way. To do this, many areas of the body are equipped with multi-layered metal elements that allow the impact energy to be diverted to the side, preventing it from having a serious effect on the driver and passengers. Naturally, much more metal has to be used to make modern cars.
Also in recent years, the number of airbags has increased markedly in modern cars. All this has led to the fact that all cars in the modern car market have become much heavier than their early predecessors.
Why is being overweight bad? Everything is very simple. The heavier the car, the more energy is required to move it. Accordingly, this affects fuel consumption. But that is not all. The heavier the car, the slower it accelerates. As a result, manufacturers puzzled for a long time how to solve this problem.
As a result, at one time, manufacturers each time increased engine power by increasing the volume of power units. This led to a significant increase in fuel consumption. Then, when the world realized that big engines are bad for the environment (than more powerful motor, topics harmful substances more in the exhaust) it's time for turbocharged engines. In the end today everything more cars receive turbocharged engines, many of which have been reduced in volume. The main goal of the reforms is to reduce the level of harmful substances in the exhaust gases of vehicles.
This has led to a significant reduction in the fuel consumption of modern vehicles. At first glance, there is nothing wrong with this. But did you know that turbocharged engines have more problems than traditional powertrains.
As a result, owners of turbocharged cars can spend much more money on their maintenance. And it's not just the unreliability of turbo technology. The fact is that turbochargers have allowed automakers to significantly increase the power of most vehicles in recent years. But power doesn't always have advantages.
The fact is that many components automotive systems are not developing at the same pace as the development of turbo technologies. As a result, in many cars increased power due to the appearance of turbo engines, it affects gearboxes, suspension, etc. increased load. This often results in faster wear and tear on many components in modern vehicles.
For example, did you know that, despite the amazing development of modern brake systems, many new cars have twice as much braking distances than their early predecessors. Do you know what is the reason? In the great weight of modern cars.
The first generations of many stunning models weighed significantly less. As a result, despite simple braking systems, older cars have more efficient brakes.
And what about rubber. We all know how much progress tire manufacturers have made?
For example, modern tires are twice as reliable and of high quality as rubber, which was produced in the 80s and even in the 90s.
But in fact, we have that modern rubber can last less (or a little more) than the tires of those years. Why is this happening? Naturally, the reason for the increase in power.
As you can see, the weight of cars is the main enemy of car ownership cost, power, safety and efficiency.
See what the growth in the size of cars has led to. So, in fact, we are paying for the comfort of modern cars with inconvenient parking, inconvenience on city highways, increased maintenance costs, and even our safety on the road.
3. Headlights
Many fans of old cars literally hate xenon or LED headlights.
Headlights play one of the important roles. Headlights allow us to see the road at any time of the day, and protect us from danger, as well as protect all road users from an accident. Especially at night.
For optimal illumination of the road, as a rule, there is a certain limit on the range of illumination. That is, the limit in which we should see the illuminated road. As a rule, this limit is based on the minimum amount of time within which we must see something on the road and have time to take action in case of danger.
In fact, the road should be illuminated by the headlights of the car in such a way that we have time to react to an obstacle in front of the car. Moreover, we must react in such a way as not to provoke other road users into any dangerous actions.
According to studies, in order to calmly react on the road at night, it is enough for the driver to illuminate the section of the road that the car overcomes in about 5 seconds.
For example, at a car speed of 50 km / h, this is a road section of about 69 meters.
It is approximately this section of the road that is illuminated by the usual halogen headlights of many cars (60-75 meters). According to research, there is no point in lighting the road further.
As you may have noticed, in the last ten years . Today, many cars have received both xenon and LED lightening near and even high beam. As a result, the light of xenon or LED headlights can be seen even from Mars.
Also, the brightness of the light of modern front optics, like X-rays, blinds pedestrians when cars are at traffic lights.
Seriously, modern LED and xenon optics are really very bright and, in fact, do not make much sense yet. The fact is that it has an increased range of illumination compared to halogen headlights.
But as we have already said, the range and halogen optics are quite enough for the safe operation of cars in dark time days.
Also, the main disadvantage of many xenon and LED headlights is their flicker, which at first glance we do not see. But in fact, there is flicker, and it affects our vision very badly.
But sometimes this flicker can be seen in complete darkness. Especially in rainy weather. The fact is that moisture in the air refracts LED or xenon light. As a result, we will be able to catch an unpleasant flicker.
Including LED or Xenon light is very bright. It really blinds all road users. Moreover, even if the front optics have appropriate safety features that allow you to protect oncoming drivers from the bright light of LEDs or xenon, anyway, at a certain angle of the beam of light on the road, at least for a short time, most oncoming drivers or pedestrians can be blinded. As you can see, the bright light of modern vehicles is not only harmful, but also unsafe.
But if at night it still has some of its advantages, then in the daytime these lighting technologies only interfere with others.
Old cars in this regard annoyed us less with their lighting. Especially those with folding headlights, which not only looked amazing, but were practical. Unfortunately, these cars are not produced these days. It is also rare to meet old cars with retractable headlights on the road.
Although some studies have shown that daytime headlights reduce accidents on the roads, nonetheless, daytime xenon or LED optics very annoying with its brightness. Especially those who are true fans of old cars.
4. Driving pleasure and informative
If you do two consecutive test drives on a track of two generations of cars (for example, sit in and then in its old counterpart), you will immediately notice several differences (in addition to external design and interior decoration).
First, you will immediately notice that the steering of a modern car is very light. That is, the steering wheel can be turned with one finger. On the one hand, this is good. But in an old car, you will be much more confident behind the wheel, as you will feel the car much better.
The thing is that older cars have much better steering information compared to most modern vehicles. Do you know why? In older cars, the steering was virtually directly connected to the wheels, without the many intermediate devices in the steering system that is currently used in new cars.
Naturally, this gave the owners of older cars a special confidence behind the wheel. Today, modern steering systems are usually equipped with electric amplifier steering wheel and other intermediate devices that affected the information content of the steering.
In particular, in many modern cars you will notice that brake system surprisingly is on the same level as in the old ones. You can also find old cars that are even better in terms of braking performance than some modern ones.
In addition, due to a large number Electronics modern cars have become literally strangled. For example, pressing the gas pedal on a modern car will immediately turn on traction control, which often upsets many experienced motorists.
If you brake too hard on the road, various braking assistance systems will turn on.
Power steering will not allow you to feel the true behavior of the car in a modern car, especially when the car can lose stability on the road.
So you can continue to list for a very long time about all the systems of modern vehicles that do not have the best effect on the feeling behind the wheel for the sake of modern requirements safety in the automotive industry.
The saddest thing is that in the pursuit of the safety of drivers and passengers, our society has raised a new generation of drivers who do not really know how to drive a car without all sorts of safety and assistance systems.
They can't really feel the gas pedal, the steering, or the entire car. Yes, modern cars are literally crammed with electronics that constantly interfere with the operation of all systems, which allows even beginners to make small mistakes. But, unfortunately, no one has canceled the laws of physics and can not always help on the road.
In particular, do not forget that modern cars have good sound insulation, which has led to the fact that we often do not feel the speed while driving a car. That's what's dangerous, not old cars without various security systems.
Moreover, one should not forget that excellent sound insulation does not allow us to hear how the engine, transmission, suspension and other components of modern cars really work. As a result, often the owners do not notice a malfunction in their car at the wrong time, which turns out to be unnecessary significant expenses for repairs for motorists.
5. Economy: New cars vs. old ones
Recently, the topic of fuel economy has acquired a special meaning in the automotive industry. Especially when electric cars appeared on the market, which, according to some experts, should soon replace vehicles equipped with traditional power units. But most likely, electric cars of this next temporary fashion, like crossovers.
After all, you must admit, they have already tried to take in the automotive industry key role as early as the beginning of the 20th century. But, alas, electric cars could not compete with gasoline ones. Do you know why? It's all about the power reserve and the lack of technology to store enough energy for long trips.
Today it is not surprising, despite modern technology, there is the same problem with modern electric cars. And mind you, more than 100 years have passed since the advent of electric cars.
Yes, of course, some electric cars have a significantly longer range than those that were produced at the beginning of the last century.
But in general, most electric cars today have a very small power reserve. And at the moment, it is impossible to say that very soon the capacity of batteries will become much larger.
Apparently, even in 10-15 years, the world is unlikely to see mass production cars with electric motors, having a power reserve comparable to the power reserve on one tank of gasoline cars.
In the meantime, electric cars will not have large stock course, they are unlikely to massively become popular all over the world.
So, for at least another 20 years, the world will predominantly use gasoline and diesel vehicles.
This is naturally understood not only by automakers, but also by various regulatory authorities. different countries, which constantly tighten the environmental requirements for the exhaust of modern cars.
As a result, automakers are constantly improving technology and updating their powertrains.
That is why turbochargers appeared, which, in fact, saved modern cars from losing power due to a decrease in the number of cylinders in many engines of famous models.
Yes, of course, the turbines helped not only to at least keep the same engine power with a decrease in the number of cylinders, but also to reduce the fuel consumption of many car models.
But these savings, unfortunately, are not significant compared to many small and feeble cars.
Also modern systems cleaning exhaust gases Together with a reduction in fuel consumption, they have generally reduced the level of harmful substances in the exhaust of new cars. But, nevertheless, even with an expensive catalyst, all cars emit carbon dioxide. So it is unlikely that the appearance of turbines will save the ecology of the planet.
Also, due to the trend to reduce the number of cylinders, many car models have lost their unique sound. Surprisingly, the trend towards cars with engines with fewer cylinders has affected even powerful sports models popular brands.
For example, in order not to disappoint fans powerful models the company began to equip some of its cars with a system for amplifying the sound of the engine and exhaust system by transmitting sounds to the car's audio system.
Let's see how the engine has changed
And so, the M5 in the back of the E39 had a power of 400 hp, which was achieved by the V8 engine. Then the M5 entered the market in the back of the E60, which was heavier than the E39 due to the 500 hp V10 engine.
Then the M5 came to the market in the back of the F10, which instead of the V10, due to environmental standards, received a V8 engine with a capacity of 560 hp. Unfortunately, the sound of the engine and exhaust of this model was artificial and not very aggressive. It was here that the engineers of the BMW M division came up with the idea to amplify the sound of the exhaust and the operation of the engine on the audio speakers in the cabin, so that owners would not be disappointed in the modern M5.
Consumers, that is, you and I, guess about it, but do not imagine how far this situation can go. Today Faktrum publishes the revelations of a professional auto mechanic who has seen a lot of modern cars and can no longer be silent. Word to the author.
I work for a multi-brand service. The bulk of arriving cars belong to the two most common auto concerns:
- Approximately 40% of our clients drive cars concern VAG(Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat, Porsche, Bentley);
- Another 30% is the Ford/Mazda/Volvo group. Although Volvos stand a little apart, by and large, this is still the same Ford.
I have the most statistics on them, there are other brands.
Every year I am more and more convinced that there is something like a conspiracy among these corporations. No, I'm not paranoid, and I'm not a supporter of conspiracy theories. Yes, this has probably been covered before. I just want to express my opinion on this matter.
I have an observation: old cars, made until about the mid-nineties, come to us, mainly for maintenance. This applies in general to any car of any brand, especially the Japanese, especially right-handed ones. From time to time they change worn-out suspension and brake parts, but this is normal and does not cause any surprise and indignation. That's the way it should be.
Surprise and indignation begin to ripen in my soul when I look what happens to new cars. Owners of most cars designed after the mid-nineties pay much more for maintenance and repairs than owners of older cars. And this is not because we charge more money for work, but for the following reasons:
- Modern cars have to be repaired much more often, and replacing many parts is more difficult. For example, you need to remove the subframe to change the stabilizer bushings. From the point of view of serviceability - enchanting nonsense. But it was done on purpose.
- Spare parts are much more expensive, because many are not sold in parts, but only as a complete unit. On the Jetta, for example, in the original catalog, the front stabilizer bushings are not detailed at all and are not sold separately from the stub. Again, enchanting nonsense, especially to cut down more attendants. No, of course, Russian ingenuity did not disappoint here either, and a substitute was found long ago, but a fact is a fact.
As a result, the price tag for the maintenance of most machines is skyrocketing.
Most of the parts and assemblies of modern machines are produced taking into account the programmed early wear and failure. Moreover, from a structural point of view, the machine is designed in such a way as to complicate the replacement of these parts for mechanics, and, consequently, increase the cost of work.
- LED repeaters, dimensions, license plate and interior lights. Say it's beautiful? Beautiful, but the detail changes only as a whole, there are no separate light bulbs;
- replacing light bulbs on many modern cars (Citroen / Peugeot, Ssang Yong from what first comes to mind) with the removal of the bumper (if in the front) or with the analysis of the interior (if in the back);
- not detailed separately Tie Rod many Nissans. The original is sold only assembled with a rail. Thank God, at least it does not change in the collection;
- mass air flow sensors sold ONLY with a pipe (the price is three times more);
- drive shafts that cannot be disassembled and are only sold as a set;
- ICE blocks, which are sold only together with a piston and a bunch of little things;
- liners sold only with the crankshaft;
- Ford engines, for which there are no repair parts at all, such as liners, piston rings and so on;
- front lower arms, which in the original are only assembled, and for which there are no original ball and silent blocks;
- wheel bearings assembled with a hub or even a brake disc (Peugeot / Citroen, rear disc);
- non-removable (destructible when removed) ABS sensors;
- fuel filters assembled with a non-separable fuel pump, and when replacing it, you need to disassemble the interior.
Separately, I will say about Skoda, which recently just froze me. The throttle has a gear that controls how open or closed the throttle is. And she's there, bitch, plastic! The part is in the engine, it is hot there, it must constantly move, and it is PLASTIC!
Further more. This whole disgrace changes only with the block throttle valve, which in turn changes with intake manifold. I don't want to drive a Skoda anymore, do you?
Now a whole generation of people has grown up who consider it NORMAL to change fuel pump assembly or front control arm assembly. Many smart people give a ton of arguments in defense of this position they are accustomed to: “Well, why press a non-original silent into the lever, it won’t be a factory assembly, it will be worse!”, They say.
The lever is a piece of iron. If one silent block is worn out in this piece of iron, why change the piece of iron itself, if both the ball and the second silent block are alive and well?
Why change the filter fine cleaning apart from the pump? They have approximately the same term service!" - they echo what they heard from the dealer's employees. Well, of course, they have the same lifespan, it's programmed that way. And he, this period, by the way, is less than you think. So itchy hands completely redo fuel systems on many machines, by God, go back to the old, separate reliable pump with a mesh filter in the tank and a hanging filter outside the tank ...
There are many examples, but the essence is the same. All modern cars are disposable, made of shit and sticks, and wrapped in beautiful foil with LEDs. They are programmed to fall apart according to the plan at the end warranty period. They may start to fall apart earlier, but this will be resolved under warranty.
Will you tell me what to do?
An old car is also difficult to maintain, especially those that have long left the assembly line. No matter how simple and reliable they are, time takes its toll.
I paid attention to simple statistics: all VAG, all Ford, all the French come to us often, lay out decent sums for repairs and spare parts. Give, I think, I'll see who rarely comes to us.
Of the premium brands - Mercedes. BMW and Audi have long been turned into feeders, sucking money out of wallets at breakneck speed. Merc is not the same as it turned out. First, there are practically no non-original spare parts except consumables. This already says something to me. Secondly, they are really rarely repaired. Many people drive 250-300 thousand without serious replacements, performing only what is required by the regulations, and what wears out (pads, suspension). Recently they changed the pump for 360,000 km to the S-Classe, it started to flow. A couple of sensors have recently been changed on a fresh C-Classe. For the next six months, this is EVERYTHING. Nothing more was done globally.
It is clear that Merce is far from affordable for everyone. I was looking for something simpler, and drew attention to Hyundai/Kia. Surprisingly, everything is the same as with Merc, especially on SUVs and big machines. Yes, there are jambs on Solaris and Rio, but what I like about these Koreans is the old principles in spare parts. Well, there is no such nonsense there to change the drive assembly, or the throttle valve block with a manifold instead of one gear.
The Hyundai chip is clear and readable. They want to grab the part of the market they need, after which they will begin to behave in the same way as the rest.
Perhaps they have already begun, because over the past few years they have already had two updates to their lineups. It is possible that new cars are being made according to the new rules, but they have not yet come to us, since they are still under warranty.
