Why are cars slower than the early/mid 80s?

[russell1964]

I remember that in the early to mid 80s, for the 0-60 accelleration figures for cars were quicker than they are now. Examples are Vauxhall Cavalier. 1.8 version generated 115bhp and had 0-60 in 8.5secs. 2.5 version was something like 6.5 secs, but I can't remember if bhp was 150 or 170. Either way, for similar size cars and similar bhp, 0-60 times would now be up to 2 secs slower. I have a Chevrolet Lacetti 1.8 sport which is Astra sized, generates 125bhp (approx) and does 0-60 in just under 10 secs. Why have cars got slower in the last 20 years although the bhp seems to be generally getting more?

[Fitzer]

Those figures seem a little quick for the Cavaliers but I don't have any reference to back me on that. Cars today are quite a lot bigger & heavier than they were with all the added safety features and conveniences such as air con. For instance the current Polo is the same size as the MK1 Golf!

[hundreddolla]

EVERYTHING was bigger in the 80's!

Hair, shoes, mobile phones, the career of Duran Duran.....

[tali1]

fitzer is right , cavalier 1.8 was 9.5secs to 60 and 2.5 was 7.5secs. However, diesels are getting far quicker with performance unheard of in an 80s diesel

[Fitzer]

How sad am I? The quickest Cavalier was a MK3 4x4 Turbo with 204BHP and did the 60 in 6.5, but since this was only available in the '90s it doesn't quite fit your '80s criteria.

[oldhamfan]

Cars these days have impact bars, air conditioning etc and weigh a stack more than they did 20 years ago.