[Driver72]

making car models larger and larger with each redesign??

I've been saying for YEARS "why do auto manufacturers feel they need to keep making cars bigger and bigger with each remodel?"

It's more prevalent now with $3-4+ a gallon gas than ever.

But do 3 series really need to be larger, does the 5 series really need to be larger, does the 7 series really need to be larger?

Why is a compact car (like the Honda Civic) as large now as a midsize was 10-15 years ago?
Why can't they just IMPROVE the car without making it larger.
If people want and need a larger car, buy the larger model.

If a manufacturer doesn't have a current model that's the right size in their line up, make a NEW model.

This applies to trucks and minivans too.
Heck a Tacoma is practically a full size truck now.
You can't even buy a small pick up truck anymore.
Minivans now are as big as full size vans.
Only the Mazda minivan is still mini. But my guess is, it will get MUCH larger when remodeled.

3000+ lbs cars are NOT compacts.
4000 lbs family sedans are common now. That's insane.

To auto manufacturers: please STOP making the cars larger and heavier with each change. Do something different, keep the car the same size, or make it a bit smaller and lighter.
Thanks!

Sorry for the rant, but I hope auto manufacturers start to see the light.

PS Kudos to Nissan for making the 2010 370Z a bit smaller and 100-150 lbs lighter than the current 350Z.
Lighter, more powerful, but better all around performance and fuel economy.

[chuck92103]

They can''t sell a Yaris with leather and big engine for $50k.

How do they keep profit margins up if they don't have expensive cars? And how do they sell expensive cars that are not roomy, feature rich, perform well, and are luxurious?

If you want a cheap econobox, go to Toyota. I don't think BMW could afford to build $20k cars. Their engineering costs are way to high to use their technology in cheap cars.
It is kinda of like saying...


"Why doesn't Rolex make a good quality handmade watch for $99."

[pokerface]

because they can't say they improved a car if it doesn't have a growth in its spec sheet.

i'm thinking manufacturers could swell up the car in each redesign, then eventually retire the nameplate to be reintroduced a few years down the road with a "return of the ___" mantra...thats the way they could do it without admitting that they shrunk the package

[consolidated]

they'll stop when we quit buying them.

[chuck92103]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

Great point, I've been bitching about this for years. I mean, look at how big the VW GTI is. Although it's designed to look small, it's actually quite large. Well, guess what... the manufactures are going to get burned, including BMW. I mean, the X6 is absurd large... and just a pointless vehicle. The next 5-series is a whale! Too bad, so sad. I can't wait for 2011... return on the German pocket rockets and a 3-series that'll hopefully be closer to the size of the e30.

Be careful what you wish for. We may in fact see a much smaller 3 series with a much smaller engine, and lighter weight, and it will cost more than any new 3 series today. Then we will be complaining about BMW cutting corners.

[rdsport323]

because we are all getting fatter.

[chuck92103]

Originally Posted by rdsport323

because we are all getting fatter.

[Driver72]

Originally Posted by chuck92103

They can''t sell a Yaris with leather and big engine for $50k.

How do they keep profit margins up if they don't have expensive cars? And how do they sell expensive cars that are not roomy, feature rich, perform well, and are luxurious?

If you want a cheap econobox, go to Toyota. I don't think BMW could afford to build $20k cars. Their engineering costs are way to high to use their technology in cheap cars.
It is kinda of like saying...


"Why doesn't Rolex make a good quality handmade watch for $99."

Misses point and post completely.

[chuck92103]

Originally Posted by Driver72

Misses point and post completely.

I get your point. I don't think it is realistic.

If we go back 10-20 years to the smaller 3 and 5 series please tell me how they can get air bags, nav, comfort seats, DVD screens, HUD, and all the other features that are required to stay competitive into the same size car?

Cars have increased in size and weight due to customer demand for more features.

Take HUD (head up display for example), it cannot go into a car unless the dash is designed deeper to accomodate the projector.

How do they get rear climate control into cars unless there is ample room to run the system through the chassis and interior.

All these features that have cropped up over the years require room to install. If they did not make the room, then folks would complain that the same options on a 7 are not available on a 5, etc.

In BMW's view, if you want small, they offer a mini or the 1 series.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by rdsport323

because we are all getting fatter.

Sad, but true.

[Houman21]

The 3 series of today is what the 5 series used to be (a couple generations back) and the 1 series is what the 3 series used to be. The current 5 seems to be as big as the seven from the late 80's early nineties. BMW is not the only one who does this look at the c-class, it reminds me of an older e-class in size.

[EmPower]

a few reasons

1.) Safety reasons (external body shapes are more rounded for pedestrian safety)
2.) bigger on the inside (notice that the cars grow taller with each iteration), to allow greater interior space
3.) cars 10-15 years ago had very thin cabin pillars (a,b,c), which allowed for better on road visibilty. If the cars today with all that passive and active safety (including the sturdier roof and cabin structures), there would be very little visibilty and cabin space which would lead to cabin clautrophibia and difficult driving amongst other things.
4.) wind tunnel testing that allows better economy which again defines a lot of the shape and size

[just4kickz]

they'll stop when you start buying the brands that are making those smaller cars with less cylinders, less displacement, less power, with more mileage, etc.

but yeah ill agree with above and say that its hard to go small when you've been going bigger and bigger...

[iatacs19]

It doesn't matter if the name changes, they introduce new smaller models to fit that niche.

Honda Fit, BMW 1-series, Toyota Yaris, etc. you get the idea.

[NaTuReB0Y]

Did someone say....Honda Fit!