Cars Being Fattened: How Much Have Iconic Models Gained?
Ever Bigger Cars: A Ancient Trend
It’s not merely a perception: automobiles have significantly increased in size. A vehicle considered mid-size in the past would now be categorized as a subcompact, while yesterday’s large cars are now considered average. But how considerable is this growth? To illustrate this, we compared the dimensions of 10 iconic car models, analyzing their original generations against their current counterparts, focusing on base trim levels.
Several factors contribute to this trend toward larger vehicles: increasingly stringent safety standards (requiring more robust structures and crumple zones), the integration of more technology, and stricter approval regulations. These advancements have transformed cars, making them safer and more cozy, but also larger and heavier.The lightweight designs of the past have been replaced by high-strength steel and, increasingly, battery packs for electric vehicles. The result is more comfortable travel, but also a considerable increase in weight.
