Bankrate.com bashes domestic cars

Bankrate.com bashes domestic cars 

published January 12, 2013

Bankrate.com recently published a slideshow of seven new domestic cars with “Outdated Fuel Economy”. For comparison purposes, author Chris Persaud stated that 40 years ago, the average fuel economy for a 1973 model car was 18.5mpg at 55mph. What that doesn’t take into account is emissions, vehicle weight and something called technology. And my guess the average horsepower was around 150? Perhaps even less.. 

This was a very misleading piece with errors of omission with a clear anti-domestic slant. The first example is the Chevrolet Camaro listed at 12mpg city, 18mpg highway. What isn’t disclosed is this is the most powerful, heaviest and sophisticated Camaro in history. The ZL-1 model with 580hp has this EPA rating. Not bad for two-tons of tire shredding fun. 

The V-6 models with over 300hp are rated as high as 19/30 but that isn’t mentioned. The Cadillac CTS is bashed with a 12/18 rating as well. What is omitted is this is the V-series with an omitted MSRP of approximately $64,000 and it produces 556hp. The base model CTS also is rated at 18/27 and produces 318hp.

Ford’s Mustang is severely smeared with an “outdated” EPA rating of 15/23. What is listed is the 5.4L V-8 engine size. What isn’t listed is the actual MSRP of approximately $48,000. Oh one other thing too. This is a 550hp monster and for 2013 it is rated at 662hp and 15 mpg city and 24 mpg highway! 

The Dodge Charger AWD and Chrysler 300 AWD have the same power train, rated at 15/23mpg. But remember these are 372hp and all wheel drive with a weight of over 4,400lbs. No mention of more fuel efficient models rated at 18/27. Actually pretty impressive for huge sedans 2-ton sedans .

Of course the 2 door version, the Dodge Challenger R/T is also included with a rating of 15/23. Sure this one seems a tad low since it’s not AWD, but what about the 470hp SRT-8? Or the more fuel efficient V-6 model rated at 18/27 with an admittedly outdated 5speed automatic?

And for the final and grand example, the Chevrolet Corvette has an “outdated” EPA rating of 14/21. Never mind this is the most powerful Corvette ever with 638hp, and for 2012 was the most powerful domestic car ever produced. Of course, the “base” model is rated at16/26 but no mention of that with a measly 430hp.

No mention of the 530hp Nissan GT-R, a technologically amazing car with an “outdated” EPA rating of 16/23. Another omission was the Porsche Panamera 4S with an EPA rating of 16/24.

It is a good idea to do some research and full disclosure, especially when singling out the domestic offerings. And when picking on vehicles that get poor mileage, it’s best not to choose among the most powerful, that at 55mph would easily exceed 18.5mpg .

Finally, these fuel “hogs” are not only far more powerful, but safer and more efficient and cleaner burning than those from 40 years ago.