If you ever get the chance to listen to Burt Rutan speak, do it.
   On different subject, a while back someone asked what kind of mileage
   the Honda CVCC stratified charge engine got. My brother had one of
 the  first sold locally, a 1977 Accord. 45-47 mpg during extended
highway
   driving. Adequate power and plenty of interior room. How far we've
 come.  Al Koivisto

   Yeah, but that Civic didn't have crash proof bumpers, 14 airbags,
   door guard beams, power windows, seats, steering, air conditioning,
   Bluetooth, remote start, catalytic perverter, navigation system,
   backup camera and a myriad of government mandated stuff, etc ad
   nauseum!  Compare the weight of today's Civic to that of the 77
   models.  It is almost impossible to find a car today that is less
   than 3,000 pounds and lots are between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds.  These
   cars are a lot more comfy and carry a lot more safety and
   anti-pollution stuff and they still get excellent gas mileage.

   As a counter example, I recall a 54 Dodge that was in my family
 when  I was a kid, a 6 cylinder economy model.  No power anything
 and only  an AM radio.  As the more economical engine choice,
  compared to the  V-8s, we got 16 and 17 MPG on trips!  Wheeeeeee!
  Nowadays, a fully  loaded Suburban does better than that!  And it
 is a lot faster!

   SD

 You beat me to that line of comment.

 And in 1977, the national speed limit was 55..  It's a lot easier to
 get 45mpg at 55mph than at 75mph.

 Matt-


What is your mileage when you fall asleep on an interstate and crash?

Dale Davies


My 82 Civic also yielded 45 mpg highway.  My TDI Passat (96) yields
between 45 and 50 mpg (sniesel fuel).  Both are relatively lightweight
vehicles.

rnc