Sports Cars Offer High Gas Mileage Cure for the SUV Blues
Fort Collins, CO (ContentDesk) May 27, 2006 -- Several sporty, high-performance automobiles such as the Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche Boxster and Lotus Elise can get 28 or 29 miles per gallon on the highway according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), making sports cars a viable choice for those seeking high gas mileage along with style, status, and fun.In contrast, the similarly-priced Hummer H2 gets at best 13 mpg, according to dealers.
A Cadillac Escalade sports utility vehicle achieves only 18 mpg on the highway per the EPA.
Even the 4Runner SUV by Toyota -- a company often associated in the minds of the public with good fuel economy -- is rated at just 22 mpg for a two-wheel drive, six-cylinder base model.But wait -- are we not comparing apples and oranges here?
A sports car versus an SUV?
These vehicles are purchased for entirely different purposes, right?
The comparison is not as far-fetched as it might initially seem, according to Felix Wong, a spokesperson for hi-mpg.org (http://hi-mpg.org)."Top reasons for purchasing sports utility vehicles include safety, style, performance, fun, a feeling of power, a status symbol," says Wong.
"What people forget or don't realize is that sports cars are just as good, or better, in all of those respects, all while being significantly friendlier to the environment and to people's pocketbooks at the gas pump."Indeed, the sleek, sensuous curves of sports cars are often distinctive and head-turning.
Their aerodynamic, no-compromise shapes -- which in addition to low weight help the vehicles achieve high fuel efficiency -- exude a mixture of youthfulness, rebellion, frivolity, and individuality.In terms of fun, sports cars offer superior handling and many of their owners delight in taking on winding country roads and hairpin corners at higher rates of speeds than they would in an SUV. Many sports cars are also available in convertible form, offering wind-in-the-hair, sun-basked adventures.
Performance-wise, there really is no comparison.
A Chevrolet Corvette and Lotus Elise can literally run circles around a sports utility vehicle, capable of accelerating from 0-60 miles per hour in less than five seconds.
Even the relatively inexpensive Mazda MX-5 roadster -- with a miserly four-cylinder engine -- can accelerate to sixty from naught in under eight.But what about safety? Space?A widespread -- but arguably mistaken -- perception is that sports utility vehicles are safer.
The conventional wisdom is that due to their larger mass, SUVs will protect occupants better in a crash.In fact, sports utility vehicles' higher weight and center of gravity can work against them.
Their braking distances are often much longer than those of the lighter-weight sports cars, and their top-heaviness make them more prone to rolling over.
It is also easy to imagine that in some situations where evasive emergency maneuvers are required, the nimbler, quicker sports cars have a marked advantage.Regarding traction, sports cars -- which are predominantly rear-wheel drive -- traditionally have been at a disadvantage in adverse weather conditions, notably snow and ice.
Nowadays, technology has mitigated this substantially with advanced tire treads, traction control, and anti-lock braking systems.
Some sports cars are even offered with all-wheel-drive such as the 250-hp Audi TT Coupe Quattro, which was afforded a respectable EPA rating of 26 miles per gallon on the highway despite the added weight and efficiency losses from the all-wheel-drive system.The most significant factor that sports utility vehicles have the upper hand is space.
But even then, according to Wong, people make that out to be a larger deal than it needs to be."For one thing, there usually are at least two vehicles in a household, especially if one is married with kids," he points out.
"Furthermore, how often do you see an SUV going down the highway with only one person in it?
I see it all the time."Indeed, according to the 2004 U.S. Census, 77 percent of workers drove alone to work nationwide while only 10 percent carpooled.
(The other 13 percent walked, biked, or took mass transit.)
In addition, in some areas of the country such as certain highways in California, two-seat sports cars with two persons can use the HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lane even in cases where three people are required in other automobiles.Cargo room is not necessarily as restricted in a sports car as one may think, too."I've seen someone open the trunk of his C5 [fifth-generation] Corvette and throw a road bike in it -- assembled," says Wong.
"Porsche Boxster owners will often tell you their cars can hold a lot of stuff because in their mid-engine cars, there are two trunks -- one in the front and one in the rear.
An Audi TT coupe is particularly cavernous with the rear seat folded down, since it's a hatchback.""Also, there are a vast number of aftermarket options for smaller vehicles, including hitch- and trunk-mounted bicycle racks, roof storage boxes, trailers, etc."As it turns out, sports cars can be not only fun, but functional and frugal with fuel as well.About hi-mpg.org:Launched in September 2004, the hi-mpg.org web site (http://hi-mpg.org) identifies and rates vehicles offering high style, performance, and fun while delivering high gas mileage.
Selected automobiles include sports cars, convertibles, coupes, sedans, hybrids, and retro-vehicles from the last 20 years.
The web site also offers news relating to gasoline supply issues and pricing along with advanced gas mileage tips.
hi-mpg.org is not affiliated in any way with the manufacturers of any vehicle or fuel-efficiency technology.Contact:Felix Wonghi-mpg.org970-484-8486http://hi-mpg.org.
Radio Control Cars - Which Type Is Right for You or Your Child?
There are several factors to consider before choosing which type of radio control cars to buy. Don't just jump in head first. Making the correct choices, up front, can save you a lot of time and money down the road. Take a few minutes to read this helpful article so you can start out in the right direction. First, it is important to determine who will be the primary user of the cars.
This will help ensure that you don't start off with a car that is far beyond the child's ability to operate. Choosing the right starter radio control car can often mean the difference between building a long-lasting family hobby, or having one more piece of plastic ending up in the toy box. If the intended user is a young child, say under 13, then you might be better off purchasing the relatively inexpensive mini radio control cars that run on batteries. Not only are they inexpensive (often selling for under $20), but they are safe to operate in that they use no flamable gas and they include a low-voltage...
Radio Control Cars - Which Type Is Right for You or Your Child?
Used cars > Radio Control Cars - Which Type Is Right for You or Your Child?
Private Rail Cars Joins Train Chartering?s Rail Charter Services
Train Chartering ? www.trainchartering.com - announces the purchase of the
Private Rail Cars website www.privaterailcars.net.
Private Rail Cars allows business and private clients to hire private train cars or carriages in the USA and Canada, whether attached to scheduled trains or made up into private trains.
Private Rail Cars offer the pinnacle in North American travel, ideal for individuals, groups and businesses seeking the luxury experience of traveling in a private train.Train Chartering has enhanced visitor experience with Rail Mall, an online galleria of rail-related products, services and travel from third party suppliers.
This will encourage return visits by enthusiasts of rail travel, raising the visibility of Private Rail Cars.
Other developments for travel, marketing and other agencies are being planned.There...
Used cars > Private Rail Cars Joins Train Chartering?s Rail Charter Services
Habitat for Humanity?s Cars for Homes Program Steers Families Toward Local Affordable Housing
AMERICUS, GA (ContentDesk) August 1, 2005 -? Steering more low-income families toward local affordable homeownership opportunities, Habitat for Humanity is launching its nationwide "Cars for Homes?" vehicle donation program.
Cars for Homes? takes donated cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, RVs and other vehicles and sells them through automobile auctions, recyclers or salvage yards to raise funds that help build simple, decent homes. Funds generated from vehicle sales benefit the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate and community where the donation is made.
Habitat began its Cars for Homes? program in the fall of 2003 in the Seattle area. Since that time, car donations have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars that ultimately help build homes in partnership with low-income families."We are excited to expand Habitat's Cars for Homes? program across the country," said Marcia Rundle, Cars for Homes? general manager.
"It provides a hassle-free and easy way to give...
Habitat for Humanity?s Cars for Homes Program Steers Families Toward Local Affordable Housing
Used cars > Habitat for Humanity?s Cars for Homes Program Steers Families Toward Local Affordable Housing
Consumers Need Serious Credit Education: Consumers count on their credit reports to buy cars, homes, insurance and to secure a job yet millions have no idea how to manage their credit reports.
(ContentDesk) September 23, 2004 -- Why is it that a person will sit down and begin to plan their financial future, make a plan to payoff their debts and even put money away for early retirement but won't bother to plan or protect their most valuable financial asset?their credit? It's an epidemic in the United States: bad credit. People pay higher interest and insurance rates, lose out on employment opportunities and generally look bad, all because of their credit reports. If that's the case then why are so many Americans in the dark about their credit and how to make it better and keep it strong? According, to credit expert, Kristi Feathers, consumers are intimidated by credit bureaus, creditors and collection agencies. If they are told their credit is poor they often accept it as gospel and pay higher rates.
What they don't realize is that credit reports contain errors, collection agencies often violate Federal Fair Debt Collection laws and creditors make mistakes that cost...
Used cars > Consumers Need Serious Credit Education: Consumers count on their credit reports to buy cars, homes, insurance and to secure a job yet millions have no idea how to manage their credit reports.
Voluptuous And Safe Cars Sells - Volvo
Volvo dropped the square built of its cars in favor of something voluptuous. In the process, the automaker gained new purchasers however; it also disappointed other aficionados. Now that it has established new car trend, Volvo is positive that said metamorphosis would serve as a catalyst to make their car sell better in the industry.
S80 is an executive car, which is now the flagship car of the automaker. It was introduced in 1998 to replace S90. The brand new version is made sleeker and sexier by using curvaceous Volvo S80 parts.
A tap on its safety features, driving capabilities and ergonomics was given to enhance its benefits to the occupants.
The new Volvo S80, which was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show, features a new 3.2 L straight-6 or 4.4 L V8 engine in combination with available all wheel drive. The new car is based on the EUCD platform. It uses some of Volvo...
Used cars > Voluptuous And Safe Cars Sells - Volvo
Online Cash Advance Requirements - So Simple You'll Fall Off Your Chair
You may have recently heard about online cash advance services and wondered if the rumors of how easy it was to apply for an online cash advance were true. Well they are! Indeed the online cash advance requirements are so simple anyone can apply!
In order to fulfill the online cash advance requirements you will need to have a current job and a valid bank account. Assuming you have both of these, you have just qualified to apply for an online cash advance. The only remaining...
Used cars > Online Cash Advance Requirements - So Simple You'll Fall Off Your Chair
19th Century Office Unveils 21st Century Web Site: Northwestern Mutual’s Tim Bohannon Announces Debut of Bohannon-Group.com
Eagan, MN (ContentDesk) January 16, 2006 -- The Bohannon Group, a Northwestern Mutual Financial Network (NMFN) office with roots reaching back to 1883, has launched an improved Web presence, announced Tim Bohannon, Managing Partner of The Bohannon Group. The site, which uses todays technology to deliver both current information and messages that have resonated for more than a century, is intended to appeal...
car insurance
Used cars > 19th Century Office Unveils 21st Century Web Site: Northwestern Mutual’s Tim Bohannon Announces Debut of Bohannon-Group.com
UK graduates looking short-term at their long-term financial responsibilities
With almost two thirds of university entrants from England and Wales who applied for maintenance grants for this year being unsuccessful, and the average graduate owing ?13,501 when they leave, according to Barclays, combined with a survey by High Fliers Research showing that only 21% of students were confident of managing to enter a graduate-level job this year, it is not surprising that there is a feeling of gloom hanging over many UK university entrants. According to a survey of students from...
UK graduates looking short-term at their long-term financial responsibilities
Used cars > UK graduates looking short-term at their long-term financial responsibilities
31 Wholesale Furniture Store Outlets Carve Niche With "Click-n-Mortar" Business Model
Kamloops, BC (ContentDesk) July 22, 2004 -- Wholesale Furniture Brokers is a revolutionary furniture shopping service that provides consumers the great prices associated with online shopping along with the "touch-n-feel" comfort of a physical store. With their tremendous growth, they are providing a window into the future of furniture sales. WFB is an international company, which currently services 31 major cities throughout the United States, is expanding its presence across North America and...
Sports Cars Offer High Gas Mileage Cure for the SUV Blues
Used cars > 31 Wholesale Furniture Store Outlets Carve Niche With "Click-n-Mortar" Business Model
UK graduates looking short-term at their long-term financial responsibilities
With almost two thirds of university entrants from England and Wales who applied for maintenance grants for this year being unsuccessful, and the average graduate owing ?13,501 when they leave, according to Barclays, combined with a survey by High Fliers Research showing that only 21% of students were confident of managing to enter a graduate-level job this year, it is not surprising that there is a feeling of gloom hanging over many UK university entrants. According to a survey of students from...
UK graduates looking short-term at their long-term financial responsibilities
Used cars > UK graduates looking short-term at their long-term financial responsibilities