Model
Bloat
Model bloat is an expression used to describe the way vehicles
have increased in size and weight over the years.
To give some examples the original Mini weighed around 690kgs
(1,512 lbs), but the new MINI weighs 1,215 kgs (2,679 lbs).
That's an increase in weight of nearly 100 percent. The original
Ford Mustang weighed 1,134 kgs (2,500 lbs), but the current
model weighs about 1,564 kgs (3,450 lbs). An increase of around
a third.
The reasons for model bloat are many and varied. However the
most common factors are an increase in standard equipment,
superior safety features, larger crumple zones, and the fact
people are actually slightly larger on average today than
they were 50 years ago.
Model bloat is not really an important factor in many types
of vehicle - like family cars, where the increase in dimensions
and features are a welcome improvement. However for lightweight
sports cars, and other vehicles designed for driver enjoyment,
model bloat is something which engineers try to avoid as it
can have a significant detrimental effect on handling and
performance.
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