Fuel Efficiency: Old Cars Vs New Cars

The mileage of a car is always the most sought after details by buyers while buying a car. Indians are known to be very particular about fuel efficiency and running costs.

The car industry has seen a complete revolution compared to early 90’s. During 90’s, there were fewer cars on road and Maruti was ruling the car sector with small car like M800. The car continues to remain one of the most fuel efficient cars of all time. But recently when fuel prices went skyrocketing and cars were brought under intense scrutiny with respect to mileage, the companies have been highlighting fuel efficiency of their cars.

The Indian buyers still purchase cars with a pinch of doubt on fuel efficiency claims. Earlier, there has been little study on ambience pollution levels and car emissions in India. But for the first time the Centre for Science and Environment has released a report based on study conducted by Automotive Research Association of India. The report states that cars and two-wheelers contribute the maximum carbon dioxide in Delhi, which is the highest polluted city in India. The biggest revelation is that details about oil consumption, certified fuel economy data in km/liter of each make and model of car is kept secret.

In a study conducted on vehicles manufactured in 1991. The emission levels were found to be much lower compared to new cars. Petrol cars manufactured post 2000 with engine size more than 1.4 liter reported CO2 emission of 143gm/km. But in same model of cars post 2005, the CO2 emissions were higher by 173gm/km. Further the fuel economy had dropped from 16 km/litre to 13 km/litre.

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