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Re: 50's vs 90's (Non-LBC)

To: "MG LIST" <mgs@autox.team.net>
Subject: Re: 50's vs 90's (Non-LBC)
From: Max Heim <mvheim@studiolimage.com>
Date: Sun, 1 Aug 1999 16:40:33 -0700
Hmmm, I also suspect that if the Honda were geared for 100mph+ it 
wouldn't post such sprightly acceleration figures. Most modern cars sold 
in the US seem to be geared for jackrabbit starts and 65mph cruise in 
top. In contrast, my 67 Barracuda is just getting into the fat part of 
the curve at 90 (admittedly this is not very practical). Obviously, the 
under-100hp B doesn't even figure in this comparison, but I would point 
out that the ratios are well chosen for overall drivability, with good 
acceleration, and at least with OD, a pleasant, long-legged cruise.

Steve Conley had this to say:

>Got a free subscription to Motor Trend magazine from a local radio station
>and just received their 50th anniv. issue.
>One interesting segment was comparing a '99 Honda Odyssey van to performance
>cars of the 50's:
>
>Car             Engine             0-60 MPH
>'99 Honda   212 cu.in/210HP         9.3 sec
>'55 Corvette   265 cu.in/195HP      9.0 sec
>'56 T-Bird     292 cu.in/202HP     10.0 sec
>'57 Jaguar 3.4 210 cu.in/210HP     10.7 sec
>'58 Porsche     96 cu.in/88HP      10.1 sec
>'58 Corvette  283 cu.in/230HP       9.2 sec
>
>Their point was how engineering had improved over the last 40 years. "In
>fact, Mom's new Honda minivan can blow the doors off most of the big-name
>legends of the '50's."
>
>"You can observe a lot by just watching." - Yogi Berra
>
>Steve Conley
>Marysville, WA  USA
>'76 MGB Roadster
>GHN5UG393585G
>mailto:swconley@foxinternet.net
>MGB Online =  http://web3.foxinternet.net/swconley
>
>
>


--

===============================
Max Heim
mvheim@studiolimage.com
Studio L'Image/San Francisco
415 643 9309 : 415 643 9307 fax
Studio L'Image/New York
212 242 3366 : 212 242 3399 fax


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