U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Vehicle Technologies Program

Fact #504: February 4, 2008
Advancements in Automotive Technology Have Favored Performance over Fuel Economy

During the period from 1980 to 2007, there have been significant gains made in automotive technology, but those advancements have been in improved performance and safety rather than fuel economy. Horsepower has more than doubled; top speed has climbed from 107 miles per hour to 239 miles per hour and 0 to 60 times have dropped from 14.4 seconds to just 9.6 seconds in 2007. Average vehicle weight has increased nearly 30 percent over the same period, due not only to increased vehicle size but also from reinforced structures and added equipment, such as airbags, that improve crash worthiness. During this same period, fuel economy has remained relatively unchanged, with a 1.5 percent decrease in fuel economy between 1981 and 2007.

Average Horsepower of Light Duty Cars and Trucks, 1980-2007
Graph showing the average horsepower of light duty cars and trucks from 1980 to 2007. For more detailed information, see the table below.
Average Top Speed for Light Duty Cars and Trucks, 1980-2007
Graph showing the average top speed for light duty cars and trucks from 1980 to 2007. For more detailed information, see the table below.
Average 0-60 Times for Light Duty Cars and Trucks, 1980-2007
Graph showing the average 0-60 times for light duty cars and trucks from 1980 to 2007. For more detailed information, see the table below.
Average Weight for Light Duty Cars and Trucks, 1980-2007
Graph showing the average weight for light duty cars and trucks from 1980 to 2007.

Supporting Information

Vehicle Characteristics for Both Cars and Trucks, 1980-2007
Model Year MPG Weight Horsepower 0-60 Time Top Speed
1980 19.2 3,228 104 14.3 107
1981 20.5 3,202 102 14.4 107
1982 21.1 3,202 103 14.4 107
1983 21.0 3,257 107 14.1 108
1984 21.0 3,262 109 14.0 109
1985 21.3 3,271 114 13.5 110
1986 21.8 3,238 114 13.4 111
1987 22.0 3,221 118 13.1 112
1988 21.9 3,283 123 12.8 114
1989 21.4 3,351 129 12.5 115
1990 21.2 3,426 135 12.2 117
1991 21.2 3,410 138 12.1 118
1992 20.8 3,512 145 11.8 120
1993 20.9 3,519 147 11.8 120
1994 20.4 3,603 152 11.7 121
1995 20.5 3,613 158 11.3 123
1996 20.4 3,659 164 11.1 125
1997 20.1 3,727 169 11.0 126
1998 20.1 3,744 171 10.9 126
1999 19.7 3,835 179 10.7 128
2000 19.8 3,821 181 10.6 129
2001 19.6 3,879 187 10.5 130
2002 19.4 3,951 195 10.3 132
2003 19.6 3,999 199 10.2 133
2004 19.3 4,111 211 9.9 135
2005 19.9 4,060 209 9.9 135
2006 20.2 4,034 212 9.8 136
2007 20.2 4,144 223 9.6 139

Source: U.S. EPA, Light-Duty Automotive Technology and Fuel Economy Trends: 1975 through 2007.

 

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