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Some time ago I watched a road test of the new Ford Fiesta on TV. Guy was doing a full scale review, praising Ford for a good job. Talking about the interior, trunk, drivers position, brakes, engine, fuel economy and prices… all the boring stuff. And then he said (what was in his opinion the greatest news there) about the car: New Fiesta is not heavier than the previous model! Wow, a success?

And that made me think. What happened with the motoring… if during the review they find as a success that the car didn’t get fatter? That is a real success for myself, when I look in the mirror from time to time and see that the diet is working But with cars? All the hi-tech, aluminium, carbon fibre, computers – and they still get heavier. And needless to say: what weight does with the fun of driving.

Let’s start with the example: Volkswagen Golf GTI.

We all know the Golf GTI badge. It have been spreading around the world for over 30 years now. The concept of “Hot Hatch” class was started by the very first Golf GTI Mk1 in 1983. The car was small, cheap and fast. It had only 4 gears, small 13 inch wheels. Today You get that configuration in “shopping cart”. But it was fun! Although it had only simple 1.6 l 110 HP engine, but it weight only 800 kg (1785 lbs). And that proportions give a power to weight ratio: 1 HP for 7,27 kg (16,2 lbs). Not bad as we’re talking about 30 year old car.

For comparison Golf IV GTI with it’s most common 1,8Turbo 150 HP engine, weights 1300 kg (2860 lbs), what gives it the power to weight ratio: 1 HP for 8,6 kg (19 lbs) – so it’s much worse. Even considering more powerful engine sold with the car from 2003: 1,8Turbo 180 HP the numbers are 1HP/7,22 kg (16lbs). So the extra weight needs 70HP more to meet the power-weight ratio of the old GTI (and this means more fuel used, sorry – horses have to drink). Considering the FWD, the grip difference works for the advantage of the old GTI.

And here’s what happens on straight with all the weight of modern cars (Jeremy Clarkson – Top Gear, little old but they put a Golf GTI Mk1 vs Mk4 there):

I know, that now I should mention that the weight is necessary, because of all the obligatory and optional equipment installed.

Today’s cars are more socially responsible. Modern means safer. Safer for the people inside the car, and even safer for the folk You run over. More reliable? Maybe. And they are better for the environment to: all that comes from the exhaust pipes are baby squirrels and flowers. But is this really such a progress? Ok… Modern cars emissions are cleaner, but they don’t use less fuel at all!

They would, if they weren’t carrying all the extra equipment… ABS, ESP, EGR, brake assist, parking sensors… 6, 8, 11 airbags + all their sensors, aircontitioning, electric windows, mirrors, power steering, DVDs, navigation, heated seats… Computer that helps You drive, turn, break… You gain weight, the car needs better (bigger) brakes, stronger suspension, shock absorbers, tires… And so on… (BTW. everybody talks about emmisions, but nobody talks about how much resources and energy it requires to produce all this equipment… Maybe in the wider aspect, the news aren’t so “pro-modern”)?

All this is really not necessary… Ok, You need some of these when You go for a vacation with 3 kids and a wife (husband) on board. Kids need comfort and space. Parent’s need kids to have a DVD, otherwise they go crazy. But here we talk about the car passion. The motoring X (fun) factor, not about family car road trips.

I read last week that the newest 2009 Golf GTI (Mk6) thanks to all it’s electronic and suspension makes a good driver out of a biggest looser. So where is the room for driving skill in modern cars? GTI is supposed to be a fun car. Where is the feeling that there’s only You, car and the road? I would choose to have a simple car… I don’t need the computer in between… If I make a mistake driving, I’ll learn not to do it again, have a respect for the road and my own skills.

I don’t want a computer to decide what I can or can’t do! I don’t need it. But they won’t allow me to have this choice! I have no option when buying the new car! I’m forced to take it with all the “good” equipment And that sucks!

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