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Post by dave1800 on Mar 6, 2014 6:42:53 GMT
It's not just humans afflicted by obesity, but cars too. I was reading a report on the new Mini Countryman and it is now bigger than the Mk1 1800 which was criticised (in the UK) for being too big and wide. It is also quite a bit heavier than the Landcrab which was described as being very overweight compared to many other cars of the time.
New Mini Countryman (2014) Austin 1800 Mk1 (1964)
Length 4,223mm 4,170mm
Width 1,844mm 1,695mm
Height 1,450mm 1,429mm
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Post by threelitre on Mar 6, 2014 10:07:13 GMT
That's actually the same length as an 1800 Mk2! But it has to be said: Consider Mini is now a brand name, like Austin was in the day (or even replacing Austin?). So what used to be a range from Austin Mini, 1100 and 1800 - all built to the same principles, has become a slightly different range from Mini One, Countryman, Clubman and some sporty derivatives. So I'd like to think it is something like a modern day 1300 or Maxi...
Regards,
Alexander
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Post by Penguin45 on Mar 6, 2014 11:45:02 GMT
Not sure how well that argument works, Alexander. Take a Ford Fiesta - the name has been around for a long time now.
MkI - 3569L x 1562W x 1346H
MkVI - 3950 x 1722 x 1498
It's grown by about 15" in length and 6" in height and width over the years.
It's the same story everywhere - cars are just generally getting bigger.
Chris.
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Post by Nick RS on Mar 6, 2014 17:44:35 GMT
The current for Fiesta is very close in size to an Austin Maxi. Interestingly the 1800 has similar dimensions to the original Ford Focus and we wouldn't call that a large car today. It's funny how time has altered the perception of the 1800 as no-one thinks it is wide now. Whenever I see a Triumph or Ford from the same era I am struck by how narrow they look. While the cars get bigger the garages and spaces to park them in remain the same, or at least they do here.
Reminds me of a slightly funny story from my Dad. Back in the 1970s in one of the UK's big brewing companies, a of the trainee youth was given the task of marking out one of the staff car parks. "Take your car, lad, and this line paint and go and mark out some spaces in the Guild Street car park" The youth made a fine effort of it too and all the lines were clean and straight. It's just a pity that his car was a Mini........
They didn't change the spaces for years and I remember even with narrow Cortinas and Dolomites it was a real struggle to get in and out the car if the space next to you was taken.
Nick
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Post by indianajones on Mar 6, 2014 20:14:29 GMT
I'm with Alexander, I consider it a brand name now. Cars of course have gotten bigger as people demand the crash protection, aircon, and 1001 other useless in car gadgets, which of course all require space. And that's a pretty funny story Nick  -Andrew |
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Post by Penguin45 on Mar 7, 2014 0:37:38 GMT
I wonder if it has anything to do with economic climes? The Mini first appeared in a deliberate attempt to kill off the micro- and bubble-cars of the 50's. These were cars built to cost in rather straitened times. Whilst I can see the need to stuff more stuff into modern cars, perhaps the generally more affluent times which we enjoy encourage larger vehicles?
Chris.
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Post by dave1800 on Mar 7, 2014 5:09:23 GMT
I think you are right about the economic influences. But now we are seemingly trapped in a cycle of cars getting bigger and heavier as crash test results impact heavily on sales. When the Mini was first produced, I recall safety hardly figured in the public's considerations. I just wonder what fuel economy would be achieved with modern technology in today's cars weighing in at 1960's levels? The problem with making cars heavier is that they need to be stronger to achieve the NCAP and other testing regimes. Now safety has moved up the agenda, maybe people feel they need bigger cars and SUVs. Perhaps there is more of a bullying issue on the more congested roads now too, so big is better? Where will it end? On the issue of safety and economy I find it strange that the legislation allow cars to be sold with top speeds 2- 3 x the legal speed limit in the UK, requiring big engines with high fuel consumption but at the same time we are not allowed to buy a 100 watt incandescent light bulb because it wastes energy! David I wonder if it has anything to do with economic climes? The Mini first appeared in a deliberate attempt to kill off the micro- and bubble-cars of the 50's. These were cars built to cost in rather straitened times. Whilst I can see the need to stuff more stuff into modern cars, perhaps the generally more affluent times which we enjoy encourage larger vehicles? Chris. |
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Post by indianajones on Mar 7, 2014 8:04:42 GMT
There are restrictions on the types of light bulbs you can buy?!
The previous government was looking at introducing some stuff in regards to 'eco bulbs' and also putting restrictions in shower head sizes (for flow etc), but thankfully they got voted out before they could.
-Andrew
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Post by dave1800 on Mar 8, 2014 3:08:48 GMT
I think it may have started to be implemented before you left the UK. It is now across the EU and the US and many other parts of the world except NZ! More info here phase out incandescent bulbsThere has been a lot of criticism as the CFL replacements contain mercury and are hazardous waste. The LED bulbs coming onto the market at more affordable prices have a long life but there are some possible retinal health issues suggested. David There are restrictions on the types of light bulbs you can buy?! The previous government was looking at introducing some stuff in regards to 'eco bulbs' and also putting restrictions in shower head sizes (for flow etc), but thankfully they got voted out before they could. -Andrew |
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