Date: Thu, 1 Jan 2004 09:46:19 -0600 From: "Walt Kienzle" <wkienzlenopsam.net> Subject: Re: the perfect car
"Johannes H Andersen" <johsnopsamfitter.com> wrote in message news:3FF40ABF.5ADD3110nopsamfitter.com... > Around here many SUV have diesel engines, but this makes them even slower and > noisier (generally). There are exceptions with smooth running 10 cyl diesels, > but at exotic prices. A TV car program demonstrated how easy it is to get into > a barrel roll with a SUV by e.g. a sharp avoidance manoeuvre on the motorway. Interesting that you should mention diesel. I just saw a TV program that pointed out that less than 5% of the cars (including SUV's) in the US are diesel, but it is over 40% is Europe. Volkswagen is the only car maker that offers diesel in the US. Otherwise it is only available as an expensive, heavy-duty option on trucks. In addition to the disadvantages you mention, diesel engines typically require more frequent oil changes, and diesel fuel here is often priced about the same or more expensive than premium gasoline. In the US, we have known for years (at least I have) that SUVs are top-heavy and much more likely to roll over than a car. About 10 years ago (or more) the Suzuki Sidekick and Geo/Chevrolet Tracker (same vehicle sold under different brand names) were rated as "unacceptable" and later shown on a TV program tipping from side to side as they were driven through an obstacle course with "outriggers" specially fitted to keep it from spinning wildly on its side. More recently, Ford Explorer models fitted with certain Firestone tires that had a high failure rate would flip over when a tire blew out. There was a brief period when sales of Ford SUVs and Firestone tires went down, but that doesn't seem to have any negative impact on sales anymore. > > I'm proud of being nominated as "vehicle usage police". My first task will be > to get a vehicle usage police car, naturally I've applied for a Hummer; that > will show'em. :-) Good for you! I wish you luck in persuading SUV owners in your region to see the error of their ways. Maybe you can come to the US and continue your crusade to get those road-hogging, view-blocking, gas-guzzling, death traps off the road. I also want to point out that your policing activities in this newsgroup are somewhat pointless since all of us drive Saabs.
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