Cars Older Than 50 Years Consume Less Fuel Than Modern Vehicles

Strict emission regulations, modern technologies, progress in engine design… We are told that cars are at the peak of development, which is true, but a test reveals that classic models are economical. Very economical, they actually use less fuel than modern cars.

Auto Bild measured the consumption of 110 old-timers, and the results are surprising. As many as twelve older cars achieved a consumption of less than 6 liters per 100 kilometers. The absolute winner of the test was the Volkswagen Golf I with a 54 HP diesel engine. The first generation of the Volkswagen compact has a mass of only 851 kilograms, and it consumes 3.9 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers. Auto Bild journalists conducted the test on local roads and highways. For comparison, the new Golf 8 2.0 TDI consumes 4.3 l on the same route.

Of course, those who claim that everything was better before could come forward, but this is still a comparison of rivals from different eras. Namely, the new Golf is equipped with significant safety technology; drivers and passengers will have a much higher probability of survival in a crash, and the weight of the vehicle has increased by almost half a ton. That is why it can be said that the results of the old and new Golf is equally impressive.

During the test drive, the Golf I emitted clouds of soot, and the engine sent strong vibrations throughout the cabin. By today’s standards, that would be unforgivable.

Among cars with a gasoline engine, the classic Fiat 500 won the title of the most economical, with 4.8 liters per 100 kilometers. That’s better than the new Fiat 500 hybrid, which, in the same test, finished with a consumption of 5.2 l per 100 kilometers. Apart from everything mentioned before, the modern Fiat has 65 hp, while the old model only has 18 hp. Neither is spectacular, but the new Fiat 500 is still far more powerful, more equipped, and safer.

• Also See: What Should You Do If You Smell Fuel In The Car Cabin? How Risky Is It?